Orville Wayne Copeland

Orville Wayne Copeland, 87, of Dumas, passed away on Friday, December 4, 2020 in Canyon, TX. Orville will be available for viewing Wednesday afternoon and graveside services are scheduled for 2 oclock in the afternoon on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at Northlawn Memorial Gardens with Rev. Johnny Widener, pastor of Bible Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are entrusted with Beeson-Morrison Funeral Directors. Orville was born to William Orville and Macle Ellen (Mauldin) Copeland on June 22, 1933. He grew up in Wellington, TX where his football career began and upon graduation in 1951, his talent took him on a 4-year scholarship to West Texas State College. While at West Texas State, he played football under Coach Frank Kimbrough. During this time, he was awarded many accolades, including being honored with selection to the prestigious West Texas "T-Club". Finishing his college career, he was hand selected for the rare honor to play in the Salad Bowl game under famous Notre Dame Coach Dan Devine. Even though football was Orvilles true passion, it should be noted that in high school, he took his team to the state championship, in baseball as their star left-handed pitcher, even being selected as an All-State pitcher. He played college baseball for 1 year as well. In 1956, he joined the Dumas Demons as a teacher and coach where he helped them celebrate 11 district championships and 2 state championships. Orville chose coaching as his career because of his love and dedication to teaching young people the art of football. Few know that Orville will live on in infamy as the original creator of the Dumas Junior High mascot, The Imp. During his first year of coaching, he met Glenda Sue Dean who he would quickly wed on May 11, 1957. Together they taught and coached countless students and had a few kids of their own. Orville maintained his love of football through retirement, eventually he spent his golden years in Amarillo, TX where he continued to root for his favorite team the Dallas Cowboys. Orville was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Gerald Copeland. Orville is survived by his wife Glenda Copeland, of the home; sister: Doris Combs of California; children: Race Copeland of Amarillo, Tx, Sonya Womack and husband Eddie of Tulia, TX and Barry Copeland and wife Tamra of Canyon, TX; grandchildren: Brittany Payne and husband Jason of Idalou, TX, Austin Copeland and wife Kimnhu of Longview, TX, Blane Womack of San Antonio, TX, Camron Copeland of Amarillo, TX, Brennen Copeland of Canyon, TX and 3 great grandchildren To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Orville Wayne Copeland, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.