Leonard was born August 10, 1927, to Sherman Roosevelt and Grace Lee White Copas in Johnson City, Tennessee. He was a member of the First Apostolic Church of Louisville. Leonard served as a school guard and then as a self-employed painter; he absolutely loved to paint. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening but most of all spending time with his family. He also enjoyed playing the guitar and singing gospel songs. He answered the call of his country by serving in the United States Army during World War II.
Leonard is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Judy Smith Copas of Louisville. He also leaves behind to mourn his passing two daughters: Judy Purvis and husband Bill of Dyersburg, Tennessee and Penny Forsythe and husband Greg also of Louisville.
He is also survived by four sons: Ron Copas and wife Sharon of Blountville, Tennessee, Sam Miles of Louisville, Billy Copas and wife Lauren of Ackerman, Mississippi, and Shelby Copas and wife Alisha also of Louisville. One of his greatest joys was being “Papaw” to his 15 grandchildren: Bill (Heather) Purvis, Mark Purvis, Keith (Rizza) Purvis, Junior Ribling, Phillip Forsythe, Adrienne Forsythe, and Austin Forsythe, Jason (Gina) Copas, Shanna Greene, Hannah (Kevin) Ware, Brandon (Jenny) Copas, Justin Copas, Cody (Amber) Copas, Carly Copas and Maddie Copas as well as 23 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his daughter Shirley Parnell, four grandchildren Infant Baby Boy Miles, Hunter Copas, Chris Norris and Daryl Norris, his parents; and his sister Charlotte Britt.
Serving as pallbearers are Cody Copas, Brandon Copas, Greg Forsythe, and Butch Burns.
Services are under the direction of Nowell Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.
