William "Bill" Royal Copeland Sr.

William "Bill" Royal Copeland Sr., 81, of Little Rock died Sunday, September 16, 2012. Born in Rose City to Homer L. and Sallie House Copeland, he was a member of Pleasant Valley Church of Christ. As a boy Bill developed a passion for basketball and became quite the star for North Little Rock High, affectionately known as "Willie." Later when he took up golf, he became known as "Silky," a reference to his smooth putting touch. After earning his Bachelor of Science Degree from Abilene Christian College he went on to work as a district auditor for Lion Oil Co., ultimately resigning to start Copeland Oil Co. Bill was an innovator in the retail gasoline market, opening one of the first self-serve gasoline outlets in 1971, at the same time introducing a unique marketing tool to increase sales with "Jackpot the Fun Game," eventually leasing the concept to gasoline marketers in several states. "Jackpot," as he was sometimes referred to, had gasoline "running through his veins!" Bill would be the first to say that not one of his accomplishments in life would have been possible without the unconditional love, support and care of the love of his life, Charlotte. He is tremendously loved, will be terribly missed, and forever live in the hearts and minds of all those who knew and loved him. Preceded in death by his parents, brother, Joseph (J.E.) Copeland and sister, Martha Jenkins. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Charlotte Brown Copeland; children, Michael Copeland (Tammy), Pam Copeland, David Copeland (Sandy) and Billy Copeland (Sandy), all of Little Rock; brother, Basil Copeland (Betty) of Morgan and sisters, Juanita Ashley of Maumelle and Hazel Cook (Dawson) of Little Rock. Visitation will be Thursday, September 20 from 6-8 p.m. at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.). Services will be Friday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, officiated by Mr. Chuck Monan, followed by interment at Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice, #16 Parkstone Cr., North Little Rock, Ark. 72116. The family wishes to send a special thank you to Arkansas Hospice, especially Vicki, Lisa, Rita and sweet Beverly, for their loving and compassionate care of Bill. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. Bill's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.