Richard Earl "Penny" Hopkins, Sr.

Richard Earl “Penny” Hopkins, Sr., 76, of Rabun County, Georgia passed away peacefully on Monday, December 30, 2019 at home in Clayton after a series of extended illnesses.

Born in the Bridge Creek Community of Rabun County, Georgia, he was the son of the late Jesse Jefferson and Lassie Craig Hopkins. He was a carpenter and woodworker by trade, worked in the textile industry, and was a former moonshiner during his younger years. He loved the outdoors, especially camping, hiking, and searching for relics at abandoned homeplaces with his metal detector. 

In addition his parents, Penny was preceded in death by four brothers and three sisters: Howard Jesse “Buck” Hopkins, William Avery “Bill” Hopkins, Arvil Sutton “Poke” Hopkins, Glenn Craig “Rip” Hopkins, Dorothy Kilby, Cona Mae Grimshaw, and Mary Ann Smith. He was also preceded in death by his former wife Julia Hopkins. 

He is survived by his only child, Richard Earl Hopkins, Jr. of Clayton. Several nephews and nieces also survive.

A memorial service to honor Mr. Hopkins’ life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at Mountain City United Methodist Church with Rev. Kyle Watts officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sid Weber Cancer Fund, PO Box 485, Rabun Gap, GA 30568.

An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.habershamcrematory.com.

Habersham Crematory (678-617-2210) of Cornelia is in charge of arrangements.