William Edward Hopkins Jr.

William “Bill” Edward Hopkins, Jr., of Saint Mary’s, Georgia passed away early Friday morning, March 7, 2025, at the age of 76 after a long heath battle.    

Born August 15, 1948, in Hyannis, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Captain William “Bill” Edward Hopkins SR. and late Maragret Ann Doudican Hopkins. Son of a Naval Sea Captain and Naval reservist, he spent most of his childhood in Panama as his father was stationed in the Panama Canal.  This is where he would attend Catholic grade school and military school.  Upon high school graduation from the military academy, he enlisted in The United States Marine Corp.  He was stationed at Camp LeJeune, Parris Island for boot camp and training.  He served in Vietnam, completing several combat missions in 1969. Bill received several medals that would include the Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and National Defense Service Medal. After Vietnam, he returned home to the States to live with his late aunt Mildred Ketchum of Coral Gables, Florida. In 1973, he was honorably discharged and attended college at Florda International University (FIU) in Miami, Florida, receiving a BA in Business Administration.   
 
In 1973, he met the late Deborah Ann Eastham Hopkins, which he would then marry May 31, 1975. They settled down in Bentree/Kendal, Florida and started a family.  Upon graduation from FIU, Bill started his career as a commercial banker and commercial real estate lender; ultimately moving the family to Jacksonville, Florida. As a father of 4 children, he never missed a minute to also be a little league and baseball coach as well as their golf coach to his two sons, a swim coach to his youngest daughter and a softball, powerlifter and math coach to his oldest daughter. Then in his later years, spending time with his grandchildren was everything to him. To Bill’s children, he was “Dad” and “Pops” but to his grandchildren, he was “Papa” and “Grandpa”. 
 
Bill loved his family in his own way and settled for nothing less than your best, NO EXCUSES.  His passions were his kids and grandchildren, motorcycles, traveling, music, playing his guitars, cooking, fishing, golf and watching baseball (Chicago Cubs & Atlanta Braves). He was fortunate to play a few rounds of golf with Arnold Palmer and Lee Trevino too, which he was proud to have done. He greatly enjoyed driving his motorcycle on winding back country roads enjoying all of God’s greatest gifts this beautiful land has to offer while listening to either Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Lynard Skynard or some good ole’ Jimmy Buffett.   As his grandson Brendon would say, “We have one of the cool grandpas”.  
 
 
Bill never forgot his brothers in arms, fellow marines and honored them every chance he could. He lived by that creed every single day of his life.   He completed multiple motorcycle rides all throughout the country in their honor and countless Toys for Tots drives sponsored by The United States Marine Corp.  
 
Bill is proceeded in death by his wife of 39 years, Deborah Ann Hopkins of Jacksonville, Florida; his parents Captain William “Bill” Edward Hopkins, SR and Margaret Ann Doudican Hopkins of St. Augustine, Florida and his very special aunt, Mildred (Aunt Mim) Ketchum of Coral Gables, Florida.  
 
He is survived by his four children: Christina Ann Hopkins of Sanger, Texas, William Edward Hopkins, III, Kimberly Ann Hopkins and Mark Matthew Hopkins all of Jacksonville, Florida; three grandchildren: Brendon Avery Manns of Sanger, Texas; Isabella Angelis Castillo and Emilia Deborah Esmundo of Jacksonville, Florida; numerous nieces and nephews. 
 
He spent his final days with his son Mark Hopkins and daughter Kimberly Hopkins by his side as he fought to the very end, just like a true marine does.  He is now reunited with his love Deborah Ann, his parents and all the others that have flown home before him.  
 
 In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Toys for Tots sponsored by The United States Marine Corp. in honor of William Edward Hopkins, Jr.’s. Semper Fi…