Larry D. Copeland, 72, a long-time resident of Muncie passed away on February 8, 2022 in his home following an extended illness. He was born in Maryville, TN on December 13, 1949 to Jewell and Vivian (Jackson) Copeland.
Larry attended Muncie Southside High School. He served in the US Army in Vietnam and was proud to be the Chief Mechanic assigned to the “Rat Pack” — the 187th Assault Helicopter Company Blackhawk Crusaders. Upon returning home from Vietnam, Larry worked as a salesperson at Merle Lindsey Chevrolet in Muncie. He lived in Texas for 30 years where he worked as an HVAC technician and retired from the VA Hospital in Houston. He conducted prison workshops while he was there and enjoyed making a difference in people’s lives. Larry later returned to Muncie, was a member of the American Legion Post 437 in Selma, and was a successful AMSOIL distributor for more than 30 years.
Larry knew everything about cars! Each one he owned had a name, but his favorite was his white, ’97 Chevrolet Truck named “Flash”. He spent many evenings and weekends at local racetracks and, at one point, owned a Sprint Car. An avid race fan, he loved to attend NASCAR events with friends and family. When not at the racetrack or tinkering on a project car, you could find Larry fishing on Prairie Creek Reservoir or simply relaxing at home.
Larry is survived by his loving wife of nearly 14 years, Kathy (Sissom); his mother, Vivian Copeland; two daughters, Lesa (John) Adams of Cleveland, TX and Misty Copeland of The Woodlands, TX; two step-sons, Jason Conley and Sean King both of Muncie; three grandchildren, Jonathan, AJ, and Cody; and two great-grandchildren. Larry’s cousin, Michael Copeland of Nashville, TN (who was like a brother to him) and his lifelong best friends, Charlie & Debbie Pittman of Muncie and Charlie Beihl of Melbourne, FL also survive.
Larry is preceded in death by his father.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Brittany and the entire staff of Paradigm Hospice for their loving care and attention.
No services are scheduled at this time.
In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to your favorite Veterans Service Organization in memory of Larry.
The two things I’ll most miss is your laugh; very distinctive and joyous, I could find you among thousands of people by your laugh, I’ll also miss the conversations we would have when neither of us had to say much of anything; we just seemed to know. Thank you for everything.
RIP my Friend (Slow Salute).
Charlie and Kathy.
Charlie I have been wondering how you are doing? I guess you know that Steve passed in 2016. Hope you are doing well.
Kathy so so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers and thoughts today.
God bless Terry Hunter
Kathy so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you.
Kathy I am so sorry to hear about Larry. I was just thinking about him yesterday. Hope you are doing well. Larry was a great guy❣️
First and foremost thanks to Larry for his service to our country. May God bless and comfort Kathy and family. It was so great to reconnect with Larry and the class of ‘68 thanks to the Copeland’s tireless work.
Kathy I am so very sorry to hear this…I know there are really no words. Please know you have so many that love you and are thinking of you. Sending prayers for comfort for uour entire family. Love and prayers my friend.
Larry and I attended Blaine elementary and Franklin Jr. High together. Enjoying our early times together, always having fun and laughing. He is sorely missed. Condolences to Kathy and his family.
Kathy! I’m so sadden to hear about Larry. Praying 🙏🏾 Strength & Peace for you and your family ❤️!
Kathy aka “Debbie”, there are really no words except I know this has been a rough chapter that has come to a close. I pray you find peace and comfort in Gods promise. Love and continued prayers for you and your family. Larry was a Dear man. 💕
Kathy, my prayers and thoughts are with you now and always.
I never really knew either of you in high school but felt God wanted me to know you in prayer.
So very sorry for your loss.