Gene Arthur Hopkins

Gene Arthur Hopkins (Hoppy) of Hendersonville, TN peacefully passed away on October 26, 2023 at the age of 82. He went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, while surrounded by his loving wife and 5 daughters.

Gene was born in Wabash, Indiana on July 5, 1941 to George and Grace Hopkins. He was honored to serve his country in the United States Navy from 1959 -1962. While he was stationed in Puerto Rico, he enjoyed scuba diving and collecting shells in his free time. In 1962, Gene met the love of his life, Betty Ruth Webb, and he made her his beautiful bride in 1964. Following in their father’s footsteps as electricians, Gene and his brother Gerald worked at Quality Electric. They proudly installed the Christmas lights on the Wabash courthouse, in the first electrically lighted city in the world. He later graduated in 1977 from Clarks Summit Baptist Bible College in Pennsylvania. His favorite job was teaching Bible to high school students in Santa Maria, California. After moving to Tennessee in 1979, he worked as an Administrator at Hendersonville Christian Academy, and later as a kindhearted counselor at the Nashville Rescue Mission, where he founded the first educational program in the United States. This program continues to flourish today and is a testament to his enduring vision.

Of his many accomplishments, Gene was the most proud of his family and certainly fulfilled what he had written in his Bible; to give love, understanding and direction with purpose. He was a tender and loving husband for over 59 years to his caring and supportive wife, Betty. Together, with much patience, they raised 5 beautiful daughters. He always cherished his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Gene is survived by loving wife, Betty; daughters Christine (Bob Jr.) Callis, Elisabeth (Bob) Lynch, Deborah (Tim) Reed, Rebecca (Chris) Fred, Ruth Gulliver; grandchildren, Drake (Emily) & Caleb Callis, Colton, Anna Claire & Robert Jr. Lynch, Tony & Mandy Reed, Hunter, Mackenzie & Abigail Fred, Lilly Gulliver & Rose Culp; and great grandchildren, Dred & Romily Callis.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, George and Grace Hopkins and his brother, Gerald Hopkins.

Having never met a stranger, Gene’s journey was marked by compassion, faith in God and an unwavering love for everyone he met. His love of the Lord and his legacy of love will continue for generations and will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be deeply missed by his close family and many friends. We take comfort in knowing that as a loyal and faithful son, he is now at peace and with his Heavenly Father.

Friends and loved ones are invited to attend Gene’s services on Friday, November 3, 2023. Visitation for friends and family will take place from 10:30am to 12:30pm with a Celebration of Life to follow at 12:30pm at the Harpeth Hills Memorial Gardens, 9090 Highway 100 Nashville, TN 37221. A burial service for the family will be held at the Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery at 2:00pm immediately following the service.