Billy Mac Coppinger
(1927-2002)

Brother Billy Mac Coppinger was Born October 1, 1927 in Cottonwood, TX (Callahan County). He was the son of W. H. (Harry) and Mary Varner Coppinger. He attended school in Cottonwood through the 9th grade then graduated from Cross Plains High school in 1944. He was a veteran of WWII, serving in the Pacific and Korea.

He attended Tarleton State University and graduated from Abilene Christian University with a B.S. degree. He also graduated from McMurry University with a Master of Education degree in School Administration.

He married Emma Dee Worthy on June 4, 1952 in Cross Plains. They had 2 children, Paul and Dee Ann.

Brother "Mac" was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason on June 8, 1953, passed to Fellowcraft on July 7th and raised to Master Mason on August 6th of the same year.  He served the Lodge in many capacities including Master of the Lodge in 1955 and subsequently District Deputy Grand Master.  This writer will ever recall his participation in an Entered Apprentice Degree in which he gave the prerequisite readings regarding my motives and later taught me that important lesson of charity.

He began his teaching career as a teacher/coach in the Cross Plains school system in 1954 through 1960. He served as High School Principal from 1960-1963. He served as Superintendent at Eula ISD from 1963-1978. From 1978 through 1988, he served as Superintendent at Miles ISD, retiring in 1988. He then served as interim Superintendent at Veribest ISD for several months. He was a member of the Texas Association of School Administrators, Texas State Teachers Association, Eula Lions Club and Miles Lion Club.  He was a member of the Miles Baptist Church, serving as Deacon for many years. One of his greatest loves was teaching the Men's Sunday School Class at the Baptist Church.

Brother Coppinger died Friday May 24, 2002 at Angelo Community Hospital after a lengthy battle with emphysema.  He was survived by his wife, Emma Dee Coppinger, of almost 50 years, one son, Paul Mac Coppinger and wife Belinda and their daughter Ashlee, of Edmund Oklahoma. One daughter, Dee Ann Key and husband Lynn and their children Hayden and Emily of Midland, Texas.

jab/5/29/02