Obituary of J.W. Hopkins

J. W. "Hoppy" HOPKINS Jonesborough - It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of J.W. "Hoppy" Hopkins, 92 of Jonesborough, TN. He passed away on Monday, November 24th, 2014 at the James H. Quillen VAMC, Johnson City, TN, after a brief illness. Mr. Hopkins was born on November 16, 1922, the oldest of four siblings in St. Charles, Virginia to the late James Alfred and Maxie Hopkins. After High School, he joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in the Philippines during World War II. This is where he picked up his lovable nickname, "Hoppy". He married Madge Collier and together they enjoyed 68 years of married life. The couple settled down in Kingsport in the early 1950's and raised their family there. They moved to Jonesborough in 2004. Mr. Hopkins spent his life in the role of a true family man. He adored his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was an amazing provider, friend, and support system. He cherished the role as husband until Madge's death in 2013. He spent over forty years as the parts manager for two local Volkswagen Dealerships. To him, there was no better car on the planet than a Volkswagen. He was also a past member of the Kingsport Baptist Temple where he served as head deacon for many years and most recently attended Clark Street Baptist Church in Johnson City, TN. He was a man of great faith and took pleasure in serving his church.. Survivors include his three children, Larry Hopkins & wife Brenda of Omaha, NE, Judith Ann Livesay of Johnson City, TN and Beverly Drake & husband Dennis of Myrtle Beach, SC; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; a brother Atwell Hopkins & wife Marcella of Blacksburg, VA; along with several nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend a special "Thank You" to the James H. Quillen Medical Center staff. From the moment that Hoppy entered the doors of the facility, his care was second to none. Our family is forever grateful for the kindness, care, professionalism, respect, and love that was shown to Hoppy during his stay at the hospital and the Hospice wing of the CLC Center. The care he received from the ER staff upon admission, and the doctors in charge of his care were amazing. The nursing staff of the VA Hospital Treated him like a celebrity and the Hospice service made every effort to ensure his comfort. He wanted for nothing. Our family cannot thank the entire facility enough for how they cared for him during his final weeks. Your compassion and assistance made a difficult situation easier to bare. We will forever be in your debt. Upon cremation, funeral services will be private. Arrangements for a Celebration of Life service will be announced later. Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport, is handling the private arrangements for the family.