Bubba Copeland Obituary: In loving memory of Phenix City Pastor & Smiths Station, AL Mayor Bubba Copeland who died unexpectedly at 49
By Daniel Kim
Bubba Copeland Suicide: In loving memory of Phenix City Pastor & Smiths Station, AL Mayor Bubba Copeland who died unexpectedly at 49.
was not only a mayor. But he was a husband, a father, a public servant, a pastor, a store manager, a friend, and someone who was well known in the community.
Smiths Station, FL Mayor Bubba Copeland’s death has been confirmed by Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones after a conservative news outlet with close ties to Steve Bannon and Breitbart published private photos of him wearing women’s clothing.
The sheriff’s office said that at approximately 4:15 p.m., deputies were notified that the mayor might require a welfare check. A slow pursuit started after deputies located Copeland in the Beulah neighbourhood area.
The mayor, according to officials, pulled over when he turned onto Lee Road 275 north of Yarbroughs Crossroads. He pulled out a pistol and took his own life after getting out of his car.
Copeland addressed his Baptist congregation on Wednesday night, stating that he was the victim of an “internet attack” and declaring, “Yes, I have taken pictures with my wife in the privacy of our home in an attempt of humor because I know I’m not a handsome man nor a beautiful woman either. I apologize for any embarrassment caused by my private, personal life that has come publicly.”
Alabama Baptist state leadership responded to allegations against Copeland after the photos from the article surfaced.
“We have become aware of the alleged unbiblical behavior related to the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Phenix City. We are praying for the leaders of the church family as they seek to determine the truth concerning these accusations. As the people of God, we pray for the pastor and his family as well. We are in consultation with the Russell Baptist Association’s leadership as they endeavor to assist the First Baptist family during this critical time of need,” AlabamaBaptist.org
