William Lee Hopkins Sr.

Bill was born on May 31st 1948 in Norfolk, Virginia, to the late Vernon Hopkins and Lucille McKinney. He had one brother, Guion Hopkins who also proceeded him in death.

Bill served this country in the United States Air Force (Vietnam Veteran) and retired in 1992 after 24 years of honorable service and was stationed around the world. Bill continued his public service work and retired with over 20 years each working at the Fairborn Post Office and as dedicated school bus driver with the Beavercreek and Fairborn city schools. His love for the movies and theater led him to be a lifetime movie projectionist as a part time job and hobby. At almost every Air Force base he was stationed, Bill was the projectionist running the movies for his fellow airmen and families.

Another passion, outside of the movies, was bowling. Bill loved bowling and was frequently bowling on a league and bowling with the professionals on tour. Bill loved traveling and exploring historical sites and would take his family on road trips to continue learning about different cultures, people, and places. He loved the ocean and lighthouses. Bill loved all kinds of music. He also played the trumpet and guitar in his younger years. Bill displayed true kindness to everyone he met. He was a quiet man, but knew all the best “dad jokes” to make people smile and laugh.

Bill is survived by his wife of 55 years, the love of his life, Lynn, and his two children, Dianna (Washington Township, OH) and Will Hopkins (Lithia Springs, GA) and one granddaughter, Jillian, along with several brother and sister in-laws.

Bill’s legacy for humor, kindness, and compassion towards others will be carried forward by those that knew him well.

At the family’s request, there will be no service at this time. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled later this summer in Washington Township, Ohio. Memorial contributions can be made, in honor of Bill, to the non-profit Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave, Dayton, OH 45420.