Joe Franklin Hopper, age 80 passed peacefully in his home on February 9, 2016. Preceded in death by parents, Arthur & Ella Hopper; brothers, Billy, Bobby, & Hershel Hopper. Survived by his loving wife, Christy Dyer Hopper. Sons, Tony Hopper , Mark Hopper, Greg (Pam) Hopper; stepdaughters, Heather (Bill) Scallions, Gina Raines (John) Naylor, Hillary (John) Howard; 12 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild and a host of family and friends. Joe earned his PhD in Pharmacy from Samford University and worked for many years in the Nashville area. His lifelong love of waterfowl led him to a second career with the TWRA where he served as a state waterfowl biologist and Wet lands acquisitions manager. Gathering of family & friends Thursday, Feb 11, 2016 4pm until 8pm and one hour prior to service. Funeral Service Friday, February 12, 2016 at 11 am in the Hermitage Funeral Home Chapel with Father Kevin Dowling officiating. Interment to follow at Hermitage Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to St Jude Children’s hospital or Alzheimer’s Association
