William Luther Hopkins – age 89 of Fayetteville, Tennessee passed away September 16, 2012, at the home of his daughter, Susan Long, in Knoxville after a sudden illness. He was born on May 17, 1923, the youngest son of William Thomas Hopkins and Onnie Mullins Hopkins in Lincoln County, Tennessee. He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife Helen Joyce McFerrin Hopkins after 51 years of marriage. He is also preceded in death by his brothers and sisters: Linne Smith, Haskel Hopkins, James Hopkins, Irene Gray, Annie Ruth Hopkins, Frances Rowell and Louise Jones. He is survived by his daughter Susan Elizabeth Hopkins Long and son-in-law David Wilson Long of Knoxville. He is also survived by grandson David Wilson Long Jr. of New York, New York, granddaughter Catherine Elizabeth Long of Knoxville, and by sisters-in-laws Mrs. James Hopkins (Elizabeth) and Mrs. Mike McFerrin (Bonnie) both of Fayetteville, Tennessee. “Luther” was an active member of First Baptist Church in Fayetteville. He was a decorated veteran of World War II, serving with the U.S. Army. He was a member of the 184th Infantry, and his heavy mortar unit “island-hopped” from the Aleutian Islands, Southern Philippines, Leyte, Iwo Jima and Okinawa (among others) in the Pacific Theater operations. His tour of duty ended after VJ Day as a unit commander in the occupation of South Korea. Mr. Hopkins worked for NASA at the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama for over 30 years until his retirement. His work included installation of electrical panels in the first Mercury and Gemini space flights, and later for the Apollo space flights. After his retirement from NASA, he continued farming in Fayetteville until 1997. The family asks that any memorials be made to First Baptist Church of Fayetteville, Tennessee, 210 N. Elk Avenue, Fayetteville, Tennessee 37334, or to Honor Air of Knox County, Tennessee, 7536 Taggart Lane, Knoxville, Tennessee 37938.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, September 20, 2012, at Higgins Funeral Home, 213 E. Market Street, Fayetteville, Tennessee 37334 (931-433-2544). A gravesite funeral service will be held at Blanche Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 21, 2012. Blanche Cemetery is located on Highway 110 (Ardmore Highway) in Blanche, Tennessee. x are by Higgins Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Susan
Your Dad was a great neighbor. He was always very kind to me as I was growing up next door. He was always quick to help us with any chore that required an extra set of hands. I will never forget him.
Luther was a godly man, a friend to all, a gentleman, and a dedicated family man. He was my friend and that of my father’s as well. I am shrouded with grief at Luther’s passing. Susan, I pray for you and your family. You had wonderful parents and you will remain blessed and comforted with happy memories. I cared very much for your father.
Susan adn family,
Mr Luther was a great friend and wonderful human. I will always remember the fun times I had with him and your mother at horse shows and in the Linclon County Horseman assocation.
Go easy old friend you have served man and God well.
Danny Dickey
I was so sad when mom told me that Uncle Luther couldn’t continue to live at home by himself. I talk to her everyday sometimes more than once. When he passed away, she called to tell me and we talked about our fond memories. I remember as a kid I loved to visit. I remember the smell of the fragrant box woods in front of your house and the cozy basement with the fireplace. Uncle Luther and Daddy would sit in the den and chat. I know you will miss him so much and we will keep you in our prayers.
We love you.
Renée & Manny Lopez
Susan,
You and yours are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Susan and family,
Mr. Luther was just as good as they come. We always enjoyed being around him and listening to his stories. He was always very encouraging to us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of sadness, but what a celebration in Heaven as Luther joins his friends and loved ones at the foot of the Father.
Bob & Cindy Dunivan
‘Sorry to hear about Mr. Luther. He was such a kind gentleman, and Mrs. Joyce was lovely. Because He lives, Amy S. Osteen
To the Family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss but know you must have a wealth of wonderful memories to help sustain you during this very difficult time.
May God Bless and Comfort You.
Susan & David;
I am sad to hear of the passing of your Dad. I am happy that I got to meet him at your home and wish I could have known him longer.