Williamsburg – Raymond Neal Hopkins, 95, passed away Monday, May 22, 2023 at his home in Williamsburg.
Born Mar. 20, 1928 in Huntington, WV, he was a son of the late William Curtis Hopkins, Sr. and Ina Sue Bobbitt Hopkins.
He was devoted to his wife of 67 years, Ruth, his children and the business he and Ruth started in 1952. Their business was called Hopkins Pump and Meter Service. In 1977, as their children began working with them in the business it was incorporated and became simply Hopkins Incorporated. All of their children worked at the business at one time or another and it is still being operated to this day by two of the sons.
He lived life passionately. He enjoyed racing cars, riding dirt bikes, water skiing and flying to name a few of his endeavors.
He had a strong passion for community service. He enlisted in the Navy where he finished high school. He and Ruth were in the citizen portion of the Civil Air Patrol, while young, and very active in their community after retirement. He was a Ruritan, a member of the American Legion, was a member of the Williamsburg Community Action Committee, served as Deacon in his church, Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church, he served on the Board of Directors of the Williamsburg Clinic, and was a member of South Eastern Beekeepers. He continued his community participation until his final days.
Raymond was preceded in death by his wife Ruth; his parents, W. C. Hopkins, Sr. and Ina Bobbitt Hopkins; his three sisters, Anna Pullen, Sara Dassing, and Sue Backus, and their husbands, George Pullen and Edwin Dassing. He was also preceded by his three brothers, W. C. Hopkins, Jr., Floyd and Fred, and their wives, Betty, Joanna and Kay.
Survivors include his daughters, Ina “Rudi” Rucker (John) and Robin Pitchford (Mike); three sons, Curt Hopkins (Cathy), Ron Hopkins (Helen) and Ed Hopkins (Angela); 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 28, at Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church in Williamsburg, with Pastor Katie Knotts officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Sunday at the church.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations of sympathy be made to Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 110, Williamsburg, WV 24991 or to Williamsburg Community Action, P.O. Box 185, Williamsburg, WV 24991.
Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg is in charge of arrangements. Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com
