Col. Robert Arnold Hopkins Jr., USAF (Retired,) 54, of Elizabethton, passed away on Thursday, June 15, 2017. Col. Hopkins was the son of the late Robert Arnold Hopkins Sr. and was born in Charleston, S.C.
Col. Hopkins was retired from the United States Air Force. He was the Commander of the 451st & 20th Maintenance Group. He was a member of the IDEAS Group of Elizabethton. He enjoyed gardening, hiking and traveling. Col. Hopkins was a good carpenter and enjoyed making furniture. He also played the bagpipes.
Those left to cherish his memory include three daughters, Ehrin Fairey (Caleb), Queen Creek, Ariz., Hilary Hopkins, Charleston, S.C., and Mikaela Hopkins, Atlanta, Ga.; two grandchildren, Asher Fairey and Rowyn Fairey, both of Queen Creek, Ariz.; a brother, Glenn Hopkins; three sisters, Sarmite Schaefer, Laura Slavik and Jean Brooks; and the mother of his children, Lana Hopkins, Evans, Ga. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
A memorial service for Col. Hopkins will be conducted at 7 p.m. Monday, June 19, at Memorial Presbyterian Church with Rev. Calvin Jett officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, prior to the service. A graveside and committal service will be conducted in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors at a later date. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to the Col. Hopkins Project, C/O City of Elizabethton, 136 S. Sycamore Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Online condolences may be shared with the family on our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Col. Hopkins and his family are in the care of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.