Rev. Stanley Howard Hopwood

Rev. Stanley Howard Hopwood, age 82, of Flowery Branch passed away Friday, September 29, 2023 at Manor Lake Assisted Living of Gainesville surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on October 4, 2023 in the Chapel of Memorial Park South Funeral Home with entombment following at Memorial Park South Cemetery. The Rev. Philip Ransom will officiate. The family will receive friends 12:00 - 2:00 p.m., October 4, 2023 at Memorial Park South Funeral Home.

Mr. Hopwood was born November 10, 1940 to the late Carl & Carrie Strickland Hopwood in Gainesville. He was a member of Zion Hill Baptist Church in Flowery Branch.

He was enlisted over fourteen years in the U.S. Navy, including two tours in Vietnam. Stanley answered the Lord's call into His ministry in 1972. His first appointment as a pastor was from 1974 through 1976 at the First Baptist Church in his wife's hometown of Howard, Kansas. He and his family returned to Gainesville where he went on to pastor Cedar Creek Baptist Church in Winder; Center Grove Baptist in Jackson County; and Mountain Creek Baptist in Pendergrass, as well as serving as interim or associate pastor at multiple other churches throughout the years. He eventually reenlisted in the U.S. Army and served six more years as a recruiter in Gainesville, Georgia. He retired from active duty in 1984.

Stan had a genuine concern for others and always shared words of encouragement. He was well-known for bringing light-heartedness and a sense of humor wherever he went. His greatest asset was his heart for service. He served the Lord, his country, his family and his community throughout his life. He was loved and respected by all who had the pleasure of knowing him

He is survived by his children, Eddie & Arlene Hopwood of Murrayville, Gary Hopwood of Lula, Jeff & Cris Hopwood of Chicopee, Becky & Lynn Yarbrough of Clermont and Stana Hopwood of Gainesville; 6 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 1 great great-grandchild; siblings Shelvia Cronic and Cathy Jones; and several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Garrett Hopwood.

The family of Stanley H. Hopwood would like to express our sincere appreciation to the staff of Manor Lake Assisted Living of Gainesville who provided ongoing loving care & kindness. We also wish to acknowledge the special dedication of The Weston Physical Therapy Group who worked diligently to encourage and lift Dad's spirits with every visit. Finally, the compassionate care & support over the past two months from the caregivers of Family Hospice has been priceless. We've been blessed to come to know each of you along Dad's journey home. The words "Thank you" can't begin to express how you touched our family; we have the utmost respect and gratitude for the love offered to us and so many other families.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Senior Adult Ministry of Hopewell Baptist Church, 5086 Poplar Springs Road, Gainesville, Georgia 30507 or the Music Ministry Program of Zion Hill Baptist Church, 4100 Falcon Parkway, Flowery Branch, Georgia 30542.

Memorial Park South Funeral Home, 4121 Falcon Parkway, Flowery Branch, Georgia 30542 is in charge of arrangements. Send on-line condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.