Reverend James L. Yopp, Jr

      In the quiet, still moments of the evening of December 9, 2015, Reverend James l. Yopp, Jr., passed from this world and met the one that he served for over fifty years, face-to-face.  What a moment that must have been.  His faith became sight and his faithfulness was rewarded.  He always said that there was nothing else he would rather do than to share the love and forgiveness that his Savior had to offer to each of us.  He never met a stranger and he shared his faith with anyone who would listen. He retired after 60 years as a Pastor but never retired from ministry.  His contagious laugh could not be ignored.  He loved to see those around him laugh and enjoy life.  He always had a joke to share, a funny story to tell and a silly song to sing.  He passed his love of life on to his family and taught us that smiling was much easier than a frown. 

Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 2:00pm at Riverbend Baptist Church with interment to follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.  Reverend Clack Stubbs and Reverend Stacey Phillips will officiate.  The family will receive friends on Friday, December 11, 2015 from 2 - 4 pm and 6 - 9 pm at the funeral home.

Reverend Yopp was born March 7, 1935 in Gainesville, Georgia to the late James L. Yopp, Sr. and Gaynelle Cain Yopp.  He was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and was preceded in death by his parents, his granddaughter, Leah Buffington and his grandson, Ian Buffington.

Reverend Yopp is survived by his wife of 57 years, Nancy L. Gilmer Yopp of Gainesville, son & daughter-in-law, James L. “Jimmy” & Sheri Yopp, III of Gainesville, daughter & son-in-law, Susan Jan & Harry Sailers of Gainesville, daughter, Gina Leigh Buffington of Gainesville, grandchildren, Shawn & Andreana Yopp, Andrew & Amber Yopp, Wyatt Yopp, Torrie Yopp, Jordan Sailers, Christa Sailers, Devin Buffington, Trevor Buffington and Avery Buffington, all of Gainesville, 6 great-grandchildren, sister, Joan Fuss of Long Island, New York, brother & sister-in-law, Jerry & Mary Yopp of Gainesville, brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law, Dr. Thomas & Linda Gilmer of Sao-Paulo, Brazil and James Edwin & Jan Gilmer of Gainesville.

As part of him sharing the gospel, we ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Building Fund or to the Ministry of Dr. Thomas Gilmer, his brother-in-law, who is a missionary in Brazil.  Donations may be made to Zion Ministries Mt. Abarm Baptist Missions International, P. O. Box 173067, Arlington, Texas 76003-3067.

The family request that all ministers serve as honorary pall bearers and to meet at the Church at 1:30 pm.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Road, Gainesville, GA  30504 is in charge of arrangements.

Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.