Wilson Copeland

Wilson Copeland, 85, passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at his home in Eagar, Arizona. He was born April 18, 1941 in Fort Smith, Arkansas, the son of Wilson Monroe Copeland and Willie Winnie Rannals.

Wilson married his high school sweetheart, Stella Mae in 1959 after dating for three years. Soon after he enlisted in the United States Navy and was incredibly proud to have fought for his country in the Vietnam War. During his service in the Navy Wilson was based in San Diego, California where he and Stella raised their four children: Wilson, Rebecca, Randall and Dona.

After completing his service to the United States in 1969, Wilson began his career in the mining industry. While working a full-time job, raising four children with his wife and competing in marathons, he also attended college and graduated with a double major in geology and mathematics. He put these degrees to good use by becoming a vibration specialist and by writing a preventative maintenance program that became the foundation for systems still used by mining companies around the world today.

As a young man, Wilson and his friends built a roadster and took it to the salt flats in California where he set a land speed record in a roadster. He was chosen to drive by default, as he was the only one who fit in the car.

In 1972 Wilson tried out for the Summer Olympics marathon and narrowly missed qualifying; falling short by just on minute. In the 1990’s he went on to win a bonze medal in the Senior Olympics while competing in a long-distance bicycle race.

Wilson took every opportunity for adventure and for living life to its fullest. He enjoyed many hobbies including, fishing, camping, hunting, target shooting, running and caring for his animals. However, his greatest passion was stock car racing. During the 1980’s he even set a track record at the Pocatello, Idaho raceway.

“Life is not a spectator’s sport, live it!”

Wilson is survived by his wife of 6 days, Frances Darlene Pulsipher Copeland, sons, Randy Copeland, Gene Copeland, daughters, Becky Stockett, Dona Wohlfield, sister, Wanda Pritchard, 11 grandchildren and 14 grandchildren.

He was preceded by his wife of 65 years, Stella Copeland.

A funeral service will be held Friday, May 8, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Springerville building, with visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow the services the Springerville Cemetery.