James Berry Hopkins Jr.'s Obituary
James Berry Hopkins, Jr
Beloved dad, brother and PopPop passed away on November 24, 2024, in Lakeland, Florida at the age of 85. James was born in Orlando, Florida on April 7, 1939, moving to Lakeland as a young child.
Growing up, James’s parents owned Hopkins Grocery. It was there that he learned a lot about the meat industry. He started working for Publix starting at the age of 16, starting in the meat department, working his way up through management, retiring after 43 years of service as the Director of Meat Operations.
James proudly served his country in the US Army. James was a charter member of Parkview Baptist Church. He served as a Deacon and taught the young adult Sunday class for many years. He enjoyed playing golf through the years. He also enjoyed bowling in the last few years. James was very competitive in everything he did.
Preceded in death by his loving wife of 51 years, Shirley Jean Harris as well as his parents J.B. and Dora Hopkins.
James will be greatly missed by his son Berry Hopkins, daughter Leslie Davis and son-in-law Alan, grandsons Gus and Wyatt Davis, and his brother and sister-in-law Clip and Sandy Hopkins and family along with many other nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held Wednesday, November 27th from 10:30-11:00 am with funeral services to begin at 11:00 am, Parkview Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Oakhill Burial Park. All are invited to a reception following the graveside services at Lone Palm Golf Club, 800 Lone Palm Dr, Lakeland, FL 33815.
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