Gary William Hopkins

Gary William Hopkins, born on November 2, 1955, in Pittsburgh, PA, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 2, 2026, in Bolivia, NC. Gary was the son of Howard and Charlotte (Hanselman) Hopkins.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Joy, and his beloved sons, Ryan, Corey (Ly), and Alex, and his precious grandchildren, Liam, Olivia and Isabel. Pappy would have loved to have more time to spend with his grandchildren and watch them grow. Gary is also survived by many family and friends who adored him and he adored them right back: Steve (Diane) Lewis, Terry (Darla) Wiley, Drew (Liz) Wiley, Maura Wiley, Dolores Perston, April Perston, Sue (Tim) Cooper; his “adopted” son, Josh Alderson, and Josh’s parents, Bob and Terry, who graciously shared their wonderful son with the Family Hopkins.

Gary also loved his church family at Waterdam Church. They upheld him and Joy through prayer, fellowship and willingness to help, share a laugh and even a few tears. Gary loved to serve alongside his brothers and sisters at Waterdam. Gary and Joy are forever thankful to have been blessed by such a wonderful church family.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Howard (Hopp) and Charlotte, his uncle, Bill Hanselman, aunt, Ruth Lewis, and his cousins, Brian Perston and Linda Snow.

Gary never met a stranger. Of Gary it was often said that he had the “gift of gab,” and had a gift of making folks feel seen and heard. He was a storyteller extraordinaire and lived to engage and help people, make them laugh, and encourage them; so in honor of Gary, we ask those who loved him to do the same to those they meet. And he would be so honored if those who can, play a round of golf in his memory.

Gary would want to be remembered not with tears, but with happy memories, smiles and laughter and he looks forward to seeing his loved ones again.

The family would like to thank dear friends, Avril and Joel Haight for being a constant help for Joy and Gary during life’s most difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Waterdam Church, 208 Galley Road, Canonsburg, PA 15317, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

A Celebration of Life service will be held in the Spring, when the leaves unfold and the flowers bloom and God’s beautiful creation surrounds us. The service will be held at Waterdam Church.

White Funeral and Cremation Service, Bolivia Chapel