Thomas Terry Hopper

On November 9, 2026, God opened the gates of heaven for Dr. Thomas Terry Hopper, our beloved patriarch, husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, teacher, and coach. He leaves behind his wife of more than 60 years Pat Hopper, two sons Cryspian (Amanda) and Shane, stepdaughter Nancy Pears Franks, two brothers Kenneth (Candy) and Dennis (Leticia), seven grand children Crystian (Lauren), Abbie, Dylan, Ainsley (Waylon), Drew, Kaleb (Jewel), and Kourtney, and a full lifetime of family, friends, students and golfers. We could not have asked for a better father, mentor, husband and friend. Our Papa was a devout Christian man who loved his family completely and taught us all what it meant to love God with our whole heart.

Terry lead a highly successful life. After serving his country in the Army in Vietnam, he earned his bachelors degree from the University of Mississippi, his masters from NE Louisiana University, and completed his education by receiving his doctorate degree from Ole Miss. He began teaching at Mobile College in 1970, and worked there for over 35 years helping countless students find their path.

He also loved his golf, from playing with family and friends to coaching the wonderful young men and women he took such pride in guiding. He may have been playing or coaching golf but he was teaching us all about life. He was highly accomplished as a golf coach, but his true legacy will be the man he was. He coached his teams to two national championships (one for the men in 1997 and one for the women in 1998) and he was inducted into the NIAI Golf Hall of Fame in 2006, the Mobile Sports Hall of Fame in 2008, the University of Mobile Athletics Hall of Fame in 2023.

Terry was also a devoted member of the Saraland United Methodist Church for over 55 years. He was part of the church choir and was an usher for many services even up until the last year of his life. He loved serving people and serving the lord and felt true happiness when he could do both things while working at a church he was so invested in. It could not be more appropriate for him to have his last service in the church he called home for so many years.

Terry will be truly missed. Our lives are better for what he brought to our worlds. We can only hope to make him proud and carry on the example he set for us as we move forward knowing he is always with us. Someone once asked Dad why he always went to graduation rehearsal and he said he enjoyed it because it gave him a last chance to see the students before they graduated and gave them a last chance to say goodbye. Now we have the chance to say maybe not goodbye, but see you again soon Papa. We Love You.