William E. Hopkins, Sr.

Union,S.C. William Edward Hopkins, Sr., 82, loving husband of Sarah Gilbert Hopkins, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, June 9, 2016 surrounded by his family. Born November 25, 1933 in Hartsville, SC, he was the son of the late David Brock Hopkins and Eadie Bell Hall Hopkins. He was educated in Darlington County, SC schools, and following a 13-year career with Sonoco Products Company, was self-employed for 24 years. Although he attended and was actively involved in local churches during his 43-year residency in Union, Mr. Hopkins remained a charter member of First Baptist Church of Pine Ridge, which was founded by his family in 1958. In addition to his wife of 54 years, he is survived by his son, William Edward "Shot" Hopkins, Jr. of Union; his daughter, Pamela Hopkins Craver and husband Chris of Huntersville, NC; his beloved granddaughter Kate Ellison Craver, also of Huntersville; his sisters, Sharon Hopkins (Terry) Matheny of Florence, SC and Sandra Faye Hopkins of Hartsville, SC; and a brother, David Brock Hopkins, Jr. In addition to his parents, Mr. Hopkins was predeceased by a son, Harold Edward "Sonny" Hopkins; a sister, Ida Hopkins; and brothers, David Brantley Hopkins, Theodore Lee Hopkins, LaHarve Hopkins, and Hilliard Reed Hopkins. The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. David Keith and his staff, Reverend Scott Cobb, Dianne Wilkins, Michele Carter, Sharon Lemmonds, and Deborah Bradburn for their unwavering support and care of Mr. Hopkins and his family during his illness. Mr. Hopkins will be laid to rest in a private service conducted by Reverend Scott Cobb of Lakeside Baptist Church. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Mr. Hopkins' name be made to the Miracle League of Union County, Post Office Box 425, Union, SC 29379.