Rev. Hoppers woke up happy every day with a zest for living life to the fullest. He didn't know the meaning of the word "stranger"; he loved talking and meeting everyone he came in contact with. In his younger days, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and gardening. He was a true Arkansas Razorback fan. He loved his country and was particularly proud of serving in the military with the U.S. Marine Corps.
During the Great Depression he joined the Civilian Conservation Corp at age 17 and helped build roads, irrigation ditches and state parks in Idaho, South Dakota, and near the White River in Arkansas. After the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, he enlisted on July 1, 1942, for four years with the U.S. Marine Corps and received his basic training in San Diego, California. He was then shipped to fight the Japanese for three years in the South Pacific Islands. While serving with the USMC, back in the States, he was awarded the Presidential Citation for saving several hundred men from a fire at the prison barracks, where he served as a guard at the time. He received an honorable discharge from the USMC on July 1, 1946.
Rev. Hoppers and wife Annie, and young son Phillip, returned to Arkansas in 1947, after a lay off at the glass plant where he had worked. A couple of years later his oldest daughter Linda was born. He felt a calling to preach and he decided to finish his education. While pastoring a church in Houston, AR, he received his ordination from the Arkansas District Council Assemblies of God at Hot Springs, AR in 1951, the same year his youngest daughter Sharon was born. He attended The College of the Ozarks at Clarksville, AR, where he graduated with a B.A. in Religious Arts in 1955.
He was a member of First Assembly of God Church. At one time he pastored Oak Grove Assembly of God Church, which he also helped build from the ground up. During his ministry years, he pastored churches in Collins, AR; Houston, AR; Coal Hill, AR; and Star City, AR. He has been an ordained Assemblies of God minister for 62 years.
Rev. Hoppers was a member of The Veterans of Foreign Wars and The American Legion.
He is survived by his son, Phillip David Hoppers and Diana of Pine Bluff; his daughter, Linda Anne Naron of Monticello; and his daughter, Sharon Marie Barnes and Mark of Naples, Florida; four wonderful grandsons Phillip David Hoppers II and Erin of White Hall, AR; Christopher Alan Groves of Richmondville, NY; Jody Lynn Groves of Oakland Park, FL; and Michael Todd Hoppers and Kimberly of Frisco, TX; one special granddaughter Lindsay Michele Canfield and John of Indianapolis, IN; and four sweet great-granddaughters, Samantha Bowers of White Hall, AR, Karre Leigh Hoppers and Kinsley Breez Hoppers of Frisco, TX; and Sylvia Jane Canfield of Indianapolis, IN and three special great-grandsons , Clayton Bowers and Benjamin Bowers of White Hall, AR and Dawson Reddin of Danville, AR. To his family he will be affectionately remembered as "Dad", "Daddy Ray" or "Papaw"; to his church members, many called him "Brother Wayne" or just simply "Preacher". He answered to them all.
Condolences(38)
John David Walls
Steele, MO Friday, April 12, 2013 Sorry to hear about your Dad. He had a wonderful life and great kids and grand kids no doubt. Brings back a lot of memories playing baseball in the field at my uncles house and the baseball field we carved out of the wilderness lot and the old baseball gang of neighbor hood kids.David
Gary and Donna Weeks
Pine BLUFF, AR Saturday, April 6, 2013 Phillip,Diana ,David, Tod dand Family,Sorry to hear of your loss.I know you will miss him. He is where He looked forward to. May God comfort you all,and we will see him again.Ross Norris
Monticello, AR Thursday, March 28, 2013 Rest in Peace, Preacher....though it is hard for me to believe you will "rest" very much, as you liked to move around and visit and talk so much!! Always a bright spot in any day for those that he was near! I always had great respect for this man. He was a great blessing to his family and all that knew him!!!cliff Fitzwater
Memphis, TN Wednesday, March 27, 2013 sad to hear about your dad Sharon pop hop was a good man always had a nice smile and always will speak to me.. I hope in your time of sorrow you can find some peace. Regards your friend cliff fitzwaterMaggie Simmons
Moscow, ID Wednesday, March 27, 2013 Uncle Wayne was always my favorite uncle and I loved visiting with him. Always so happy, full of life and joy. Singing to everyone. I think the last time I got to see him, he was singing to everyone in the restaurant when Linda & I took him out to eat. I know you will all miss his ray of sunshine, but heaven gains a wonderful servant and great man! His joy is complete!MARK L. HAYNES
MONTICELLO, AR Wednesday, March 27, 2013 MY CONDOLENCES TO LINDA AND YOUR FAMILY. BRO. HOPPER ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON HIS FACE, VERY PLEASANT TO BE AROUND. WHAT A BLESSING HE WAS TO ALL WHO CAME IN CONTACT WITH HIM. MAY GOD BE WITH ALL OF YOU AT THIS TIME.Wanda Kulbeth-Harris
VIlonia, AR Wednesday, March 27, 2013 Remembering the family in our thoughts and prayers. Wanda Kulbeth-Harris and Jimmy Harris, Sylvia & Norman Kulbeth, Chris & Chuck Roberts, Jerry and Sherry PryorSharon Shook McIntyre
Titusville, FL Wednesday, March 27, 2013 Dear Linda & Sharon,I am sorry to hear of the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
In Christian Love,
Sharon Shook McIntyre
Jeff Cecil
Naples, FL Wednesday, March 27, 2013 Sharon,You and your family will remain in our prayers. Our deepest condolences and sympathies. Mary Anne and I remember the morning we received the call about my father. It was definitely a bad day. The loss remains in my heart these 30 years later, though the sweet memories are a balm to the pain.
You have been loving and caring children to a wonderful man of God. His contributions to God's church are manifold; his service to our country unforgettable; his love ove God and country evident in both. We all should be eternally grateful for all of the men like your father who protected us from the tyranny of men. But that now there were only more like hi.
We expect Sharon to stay in Arkansas until you have placed your Dad in his final resting place. But we know that the term "rest" is only an earthly term. He is alive with Christ, already sitting at the feet of God, praising His name, and joyfully reunited with your Mom.
May His grace give you peace and rest.
Jeff and Mary Anne
Chris groves
, TX Tuesday, March 26, 2013 I have only good memories of my grandfather. He had a great life and now he is at pease.Jennifer and Randy Gavin
Monticello, AR Tuesday, March 26, 2013 Sharon and Linda - you are both in our thoughts and prayers. We think the world of you and we also did your Dad. Randy really enjoyed visiting him during the monthly Veterans visit. You guys hang in there; time will help. We love you lots,Susan Smith
Little Rock, AR Tuesday, March 26, 2013 Sharon and family,I am thinking of all of you during your sad time. Your dad was a wonderful Christian man and loved by many. I enjoyed my trip out to see him that day. We had a good time as he relayed his war stories. And, of course, our discussion of the Razorbacks. I know you will miss him so much. Prayers for all of you.
MariBeth Curtis Gagnon
Sugar Hill, GA Tuesday, March 26, 2013 My heart goes out to Phil, Linda, and Sharon. Your father was a very great man and the best uncle in the world. He will be missed, but rest assured he is now telling his stories in heaven and brighting everyone's day that he touches just as he did on earth. I love you all.Linda Minck
Naples, FL Tuesday, March 26, 2013 Dear Sharon,You are in my thoughts and prayers. My heart goes out to you. Your dad must have been a good man to raise such a good woman.
Love,
Linda
Brenda Rash Post
Tampa, FL Tuesday, March 26, 2013 Dear Linda and Family,So sorry to hear about your loss. I have fond childhood memories of Bro. Hoppers and you all. Please know you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Brenda Rash Post
Ellen Goldman
Naples, FL Tuesday, March 26, 2013 My deepest sympathy to Sharon and to the entire family on the loss of this very special man. May he rest in peace.Lela
Estero, FL Tuesday, March 26, 2013 I loved through the years hearing from you the wonderful stories of your Dad. I'm only sorry I didn't meet him in person, but will look forward to seeing him one day in heaven. I can tell by reading all of the entries in this guestbook what a well loved and wonderful man he was. He has left a beautiful legacy. Sharon you and your family are in my prayers for comfort and peace as you grieve the loss of this wonderful man.Roger Minyard
Pine Bluff, AR Tuesday, March 26, 2013 Even though I was a young boy when Brother Hoppers came to Houston Assembly of God, I can still see his smiling face. He was much loved by our family, and a true man of God. Our thoughts and prayer are with Phillip and Diana, and the Hoppers family at this time.Beth Davis
Monticello, AR Tuesday, March 26, 2013 Many fond memories of Preacher when he owned the store in Wilmar. It was always a treat to get to stop and visit. He was such a kind and generous man. My prayers to his familyDolly Farmer
Monticello, AR Tuesday, March 26, 2013 I am so sorry for your loss. I had met your dad on several occasions and truly enjoyed those visits. He was a wonderful man and a true man of God. It will be hard to continue on with out him, but God has him sitting close now and knows all of you will see him again. May our Lord hold you all in His loving arms as you finish this walk without your Marine.James & Mary Lasiter
Wilmar, AR Monday, March 25, 2013 Our deepest sympathy for your loss. I do not recall ever seeing Bro. Hoppers when he wasn't smiling and with a kind word. You will be in our prayers.Bob Parker
Star City, AR Monday, March 25, 2013 Heaven has gained another angel. To Phillip and the Hoppers family. I am very sorry to read of your loss of your dad. phillip my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.Donna Mann Lytle
Monticello, AR Monday, March 25, 2013 Sincere sympathy to the Hoppers Family.Walter & Norma Chapman
Monticello, AR Monday, March 25, 2013 Thank God for men like Bro. Hoppers. He was an exemplary servant of God and man. He stepped up and did what needed to be done. We are proud to have been his friend and will miss his presence in our lives. R.I.P. Bro. Hoppers; will see you again some glorious day and lest I forget Semper Fi.PAUL & MARY MCHAN
COLUMBIA, TN Monday, March 25, 2013 MY DEAREST FRIENDS, WE LOVED YOUR DAD VERY MUCH. HE WAS MY PASTOR AS A TEENAGER AND MY MOTHER COOKED A FEW MEALS FOR THEM, ONE DAY I CAME HOME FROM SCHOOL AND THE NEIGHBORS HAD CALLED THE DOCTOR FOR MY MOTHER, BUT BRO. HOPPERS BEAT HIM THERE AND PRAYED THE PRAYER OF FAITH AND SHE DID NOT HAVE TO SEE THE DOC. HE SAID HE WAS NO LONGER NEEDED.YOU ALL HAVE BEEN A PART OF OUR FAMILY AS ;LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER. GOD HAS A STAR SHINNING BRIGHT IN HEAVEN, LOVE TO ALL AND REJOICE WITH HIM AND MOM. GOD BLESS, YOUR OTHER SISTER MARY JOgary.hatley
sherwood, AR Monday, March 25, 2013 I was sorry to learn of Reverend Hoppers' passing. If more people had his charity and sense of duty in their hearts, this would be a better World. He definitely "walked the walk!" He was not only a member of this Country's Greatest Generation, having served in WWII, but, he continued to serve God and the community in a unique manner for the rest of his life.Janice G McAllister
Hot Springs Village, AR Monday, March 25, 2013 What a great man God has taken home! What a great legacy she has left and touched so many lives teaching God's word. Mr Hoppers is now at peace with no pain or suffering. Everyone I know had such great respect for your dad and we all enjoyed his stories. My heart aches for you all and i am praying God surround you with his love to give you peace and comfort during this sad time. I know you have such wonderful memories to cherish and were so loved by your dad. Always know I love you all. Each of you were so blessed to have him as your dad. With heartfelt sympathy, Janice (Gladden) McAllisterPam Gladden
Monticello, AR Monday, March 25, 2013Dear Family,
I had no idea your father died. I always loved Brother
Hoppers so much!!! He always smiled and lit up a
room. I will never forget his great sermons.
Marsha Pierce
Hampton, AR Monday, March 25, 2013 Oh how I remember that contagious smile & zest he had to want to be around people. Just wouldn't do not to be a Razorback fan when he was around either. He would come up to the nurse's desk & keep all of us informed about scores of the games.... Both of your parents were a Blessing & I am very humbled to have know them & been a part of their lives. Healing & Comforting Prayers.Shane L. Williams
Monticello, AR Monday, March 25, 2013 Bro. Hoppers was a Great friend and always had a smile. He is where no earthly ailment can ever touch him. He is forever at Rest with His Lord and Savior. He will be Greatly missed but never forgotten. I am praying for the family in this dark hour. And I know that the Lord will see them through. :)Don & Linda Barnett
Monticello, AR Monday, March 25, 2013 Phillip & Diana, Our thoughts & prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. We never remember seeing Br. Hoppers that he didn't have a smile on his face. That was the joy of the Lord. We know he is really smiling now. God Bless your familyEleanor Harris Gibbons
Little Rock, AR Monday, March 25, 2013 Linda sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I know you have had a couple of bad years but just remember; everything is in the Lord's will. You were able to have your Dad for a good while and now he is in the Lord's arms and prepares for us a place one day.Wanda Young
Wilmar, AR Monday, March 25, 2013 Sorry to hear of the death of Bro.Hopper,prays with family.My family and I have fond memories of Preacher that is all I ever heard my husband call him.Wanda YoungDane Hall
Bryant, AR Sunday, March 24, 2013 Brother Hoppers was one of a kind, and there will never be another quite like him.I am at the age now that I can reflect back on the people that helped me get started in the ministry. Leslie Hoppers is at the top of that list. I will never forget his investment into my life and ministry in those early days over 25 years ago now.
The Assemblies of God has lost one of its most faithful supporters. The church has lost one of its most powerful and anointed preachers. Drew County has lost one of its finest citizens (and a great story teller). My family has lost a great pastor, encourager, hunting and fishing buddy, and friend. However, the Kingdom of God has experienced no loss. Instead, we have witnessed the promotion of a faithful saint.
I regret that because of a schedule conflict Paula and I will not be able to attend the service. Be assured that Brother Hoppers will never be forgotten for the lasting impact he made on our lives.
Wayne Tribble
El Dorado, AR Sunday, March 24, 2013 So sorry for your loss. Your Dad was a wonderful person who made the world a better place with his many blessings. He always put the other people first in his life.Joan and I will be out of town on Tuesday and Wednesday and will not be able to attend the funeral. You will be in our prayers. Wayne
Hazel Tucker Medders
Eden, TX Sunday, March 24, 2013 So sad. This fine man was the very last uncle that I had. My prayers are with Philip, Linda, Sharon and their families at this time. Sorry I can't be there to support you all.Judy Hatley Sipes
Little Rock, AR Sunday, March 24, 2013 Though hearts break, we know he is "home" and rejoicing in the presence of the Lord!Pat Savage Montgomery
Monticello, AR Sunday, March 24, 2013 My thoughts and prayers are with you all.