Frederick Leon Hopkins

Mr. Frederick Leon Hopkins, age 85, of Dalton, Georgia, passed away peacefully at his home in the early morning hours of Saturday, January 25, surrounded by his loving family.

Fred was born on Saturday, July 1st, 1939, in Ducktown, Tennessee, to the late Mr. Frederick Moore Hopkins and Mrs. Joy Pate Hopkins.

Fred grew up in Mineral Bluff, Georgia, graduating from East Fannin High School in 1957.  He attended Tennessee Wesleyan University, where he obtained his Bachelor’s in Environmental Science.  He would later go on to obtain his Masters degree in Public Health from The University of Oklahoma.  He settled in Dalton, Georgia, where he led a successful career working for the Whitfield County Health Department.

Fred was also a faithful and dedicated member of Welcome Hill Baptist Church, which he joined shortly after moving to Dalton.  He served as the church’s choir director for many years, taught Sunday School, and served on the board of deacons.

Fred also loved hunting, fishing, and spending time with family and friends.

While Fred may have been an only child, after marrying the love of his life, he was blessed with a large family and was the greatest husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather one could have ever hoped to have.  His love for his family knew no limits, and he will be deeply missed by all those he leaves behind.

In addition to his parents, Fred is preceded in death by one grandson, Bobby Defore, and one great-granddaughter, Belle Defore.

Fred is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Mrs. Gwendolyn Pope Hopkins, as well as his three children, Zach (Cindy) Hopkins, Greg (Shelley) Hopkins, and Lisa (Les) Duddleston.  He is also survived by his ten grandchildren, Megan Hopkins, Sage (Kayla) Duddleston, Pate (fiancé Lauren) Duddleston, Langley (Paul) Moreland, Analeigh (Chase) Kranzlein, McKinley (Tim) Lutsky, Claire (A.J.) Summers, Kale Hopkins, Kami Hopkins, and Will Duddleston.  He is also survived by his five great-grandchildren, Annie Defore, Ella Moreland, Violet Kranzlein, Remy Lutsky, and Leena Duddleston.

Services to celebrate the life of Mr. Frederick Leon Hopkins will be held in the Chapel of Love Funeral Home on Sunday, January 26, at 4:00 P.M. with Pastor Bruce Beach and Pastor Randy Vaughn officiating.  Fred will be laid to rest in a private graveside service at West Hill Cemetery.  Visitation for family and friends will begin at 2:00 P.M. and will last until the service hour.  Gentlemen serving as pallbearers are Jackie Cole, Bradley Mathis, Ronald Blaylock, Donald Jacks, Sam Shell, Brian Mathis, Darrel Cannon, Woody Mullins, Eric Blaylock, and Wade Hart.