Cary Lenn Copeland

With great heartache, we announce the passing of Cary Copeland, 51, of Jacksonville, Arkansas on January 4, 2025. Even though we were not ready, the ones watching over him were. Cary was born in Conway, Arkansas, on October 27, 1973, to Jimmy Lee Copeland and Mary Lois (Hendrickson) Copeland. He grew up in Mayflower, Arkansas, where he established lifelong friendships and met the love of his life, Amanda Copeland. They moved to Jacksonville, Arkansas, celebrated nearly 33 years of marriage together, and raised their two kids, Blake and Shea Copeland. For over twenty (20) years, Cary was well-known in his community for his artistic abilities as a taxidermist at Wildlife Illusions Taxidermy. 

Cary Copeland’s legacy lives on through his wife Amanda Copeland, his son Blake (Rachel) Copeland, his daughter Shea Copeland (Hayden Long), his grandchildren Brayden and Avery Copeland, his sisters Phyllis (Scott) Gentry and Marilyn (Craig) Brown, his like a brother Dustin (Jayme) Gentry, his mother Mary Copeland, numerous nieces and nephews: Michael, Savanah, Kenny, Rose, Brittany, Austin, Taylor, Kaebra, Jayden, his cousins, his best friends, and his hound dogs, Royal and Luna Copeland.

Cary loved all things outdoors, including hunting, fishing, and camping. He was the jack of all trades and could do almost anything asked of him. He loved talking and always had time to hear everyone’s hunting and fishing stories. He enjoyed guiding others outdoors, whether in the deer woods to take your first deer, fishing in his favorite spots, or alligator hunting down south. During his free time, Cary tracked with his hound dogs, Royal and Luna. Above all else, he loved his family and friends and enjoyed watching and playing with his grandson, Brayden. He was the type of guy to give you the shirt off his back if needed. He was an amazing father to his own kids, but he also took many other kids in the community under his wing along the way. And through all this, he almost always had a glass of Crown and Coke in his hand for the long haul. Cary Copeland was a simple man. 

His wishes were to celebrate his life with what he called a “shindig.” We would like everyone to bring their favorite food dish and a story about Cary to tell. Stories can be written down and read aloud by the preacher, or you can tell the story yourself.

 A celebration of life will be held at the Connection Church, 14322 AR-107, Gravel Ridge, AR 72076, on February 1, 2025, at 12:00 pm (noon).

In lieu of flowers, we are accepting donations to the following:

CashApp: $acopeland25

Venmo: @acopeland25

AFCU: 6756 Amanda Copeland

Arrangements by Arkansas Cremation, 10515 W Markham St, Suite B1, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205. If you would like to leave a message of condolence to the family, you may do so using the Guestbook section.

www.arkansascremation.com