Leroy McKinney Hopkins, Sr.

LEROY MCKINNEY HOPKINS SR., beloved husband, father, brother, was the sixth child, third son, from the union of Thelmer Dudley Hopkins & Gladys Beatrice McKinney Hopkins. He was born on June 29, 1940, in Beeville, Texas. A proud Texan and serviceman, Leroy Hopkins' journey through life was marked by dedication, service, & an unwavering commitment to his family. On September 21, 2024, he was graciously called home by the Lord.

Leroy spent his formative years in Beeville, Texas and he was always so proud to say that he was one of the last classes of students to attend Lott - Canada, the original school for Black Americans founded in 1876. At 16 it was his desire to move to Hyde Park, NY to attend the CIA, the Culinary Institute of America, however, his parents would not allow him to quit school to do so. Instead, he answered the call of duty by joining the United States Army upon graduating from A.C. Jones High School. His first duty station out of basic training was Fort Hood, in Killeen, Texas where he was a cook. Having scored highest in mechanical comprehension and science, Leroy was earmarked to be a part of the combat engineers for both tours of duty in Vietnam. When he wasn't building and breaking down tent cities, he was experiencing intense battles on the frontlines or while keeping small villages safe. A short 1st tour in Germany saw him exploring all of Europe, and when that tour was over, Leroy received orders for a 6-month tour to the Country of Panama in Central America. Leroy would later say that he didn't pack any "civvies" because he was told that Fort Gulick was in the "jungle" so he was a little more than excitedly surprised when he saw that Panama was an amazing country, the only place in the world where he could see the sun rise on the Pacific Ocean and set in the Atlantic. In addition to the sunsets Leroy thought it was beautiful to see how the Black people in Panama City and other Panamanian cities lived without having to worry about some of the things he had to worry about in America. He found it freeing and fell in love with Panama!

Leroy not only fell in love with Panama, but he also fell in love with a young lady, Juanita C. Williams and they married in July of 1968 and remained married until his recent passing. Their union gave them the joy of having 3 children. Leroy loved his country and was proud to be a veteran. The Army Corps of Engineers, in particular, was Leroy's pride and joy.

A dedicated and hard worker, retiring from the Army in 1981 would not be the first time Leroy would retire. He also retired from H.E.B after 22 years and from 2012 to 2022 Leroy worked for Audie Murphy Veterans Hospital. When he finally decided to leave the workforce at 72, Leroy dedicated his time to traveling and living life with the love of his life, his wife. Leroy loved his wife immensely.

Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Thelma Gladys Hopkins Smith (Roy), Birdie Josephine Bush (Joe), and brothers George Henry Louis Hopkins (Geneva), and Alvin Eugene Hopkins (Elizbeth). To keep his legacy alive he leaves his loving wife of nearly 57 years Juanita C. Hopkins; his son Leroy McKinney Hopkins Jr.; his daughters, Shaunda Daniena Hopkins Lohse & Ludvia Melaika Hopkins Johnson (David); his grandchildren, Lantz Hopkins (ReAnn), Shaun Lohse, Riley Hopkins (17), Louis Lohse (16), and Liliana Johnson (11); his great grandchildren Remiela (4), Renzo (3), Lantz (2); his siblings, Ollie Lois Canada and Margaret Rissa Jefferson; his sister-in-law Diana Clarke (Edmundo); his dear & best friend Charles Perry; and his dearest & most favorite cousin, Lyndy Marshall. Leroy also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends who will treasure his memory.

FUNERAL SERVICETUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 202412:00 PMPORTER LORING MORTUARY NORTH2102 NORTH LOOP 1604 EAST

Rev. Carolyn Pittman will officiate. Interment will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.