Elbert Luel Copeland

BAXTER CHAPEL-Elbert Luel Copeland, born May 4, 1941, in Waynesboro, Tennessee, to the late James Emery and Opal Alene Nutt Copeland, passed away on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center.

He lived a life marked by devotion to his family, enjoyment of simple pleasures, and a faithful member of Baxter Church of Christ.

Mr. Copeland graduated in 1961 from Antioch High School in Nashville. He worked for Colonial Bread Bakery in Nashville for forty years, retiring in 2001.

Mr. Copeland found joy in many of the things that brought people together. He loved fishing and was an enthusiastic follower of sports, especially Vanderbilt football and basketball, the Nashville Predators, the Tennessee Titans, and just about any sporting event he could watch. He also enjoyed watching westerns. Above all, he was known as a servant of the Lord at church, always willing to be there whenever there was a service or activity, offering his presence and help with a faithful heart.

He is survived by his son, Larry Copeland, and his wife, Patsy, of Chattanooga; his daughters, Cindy Eden of Cookeville and Sheila Pippin and her husband, Bobby, of Baxter; and his brother, Thomas Copeland of Nashville. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Maleia Jacobs and her husband, Steve, Kayla Eden and fiancé Greg Tayes Jr., Faith Eden and friend Nick Ford, Annalyn Pippin Mink and her wife, Abby, and Bridget Dial. His memory will also be cherished by his great-grandchildren, Garrett Dial, Chloe Dial, Tucker Jacobs, and Lillyanne Jacobs. May the love he gave and the example he set continue to live on in each of them.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Emery and Opal Alene Nutt Copeland; his wife, Glenda Lancaster Copeland, who died on April 18, 2021; and his brothers, Robert Copeland and James Copeland.

Family and friends will be received at Baxter Chapel, 532 4th Ave. South, Baxter, Tennessee, on Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., and again on Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Baxter Chapel on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. with Bro. John Pippin officiating. Interment will follow at Young Cemetery, in the Center Grove Community in Jackson County, Tennessee.

Elbert Luel Copeland will be remembered with love for his steady faith, his enjoyment of life’s familiar pleasures, and the deep connection he shared with those he loved. His memory will remain a lasting blessing to his family and friends.

Baxter Chapel Hooper-Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements (931)858-2134. You may share condolences and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com