Ralph L. "Hoppy" Hopkins

Ralph L. “Hoppy” Hopkins, 84, of Eddyville, Nebraska, passed away Tuesday, June 2, 2015, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 19, 1931, in Los Angeles, California to Ben Walfson and Ada Hopkins. He graduated high school from Eddyville High School, and attended two years at UCLA. Ralph was a career Army Veteran. He served his country from September 8, 1949, until October 31, 1969, yet stayed on active reserve call until 1980. He was united in marriage to Carol (Struempler) Giugler on May 26, 1978, in Lexington. He loved Carol’s sons, Layne and Lance, as if they were his own. During Hoppy’s working years he was owner/operator of Nationwide Air Service in Thompson, Georgia, Reach Electronics in Lexington, and owner/operator of HER company in Overton. Ralph was such a great guy. He loved his family and his friends and was a devoted member of the American Legion, VFW, H.A.R.A. Ham Radio group, and A.R.R.L. Radio group. He also was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Eddyville. Hoppy loved spending time working in his yard, gardening, woodworking, his HAM radios, stock car racing #172, playing cards, flying, and being with his grandchildren. He never knew a stranger and loved telling a good story. If you could sum up his life in two words, they would be, LOVE and HONOR. Survivors include his wife; Carol of Eddyville, Nebraska; children, Greg Hopkins of Douglasville, Georgia, Layne Giugler of Soldotna, Alaska, Lance Giugler of Redmond, Washington, Faith (Steve) Williams of Summerville, South Carolina, Mona (Mike) LaFontaine of Evans, Georgia, Carrie Hopkins Rose of Charleston, South Carolina, and Janice (Vin) Muller of Augusta, Georgia; sixteen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren; three brothers, Walter Flint of Elwood, Nebraska, Charles (Vicky) Flint of Overton, Nebraska, and Gary (Cindy) Flint of Lexington, Nebraska; five sisters, Bonnie Smith of Kearney, Nebraska, Peggy Sarr of Elwood, Nebraska, Betty (Jack) Hinds of Lexington, Nebraska, Patsy Fisher of Atkinson, Nebraska, and Dana (Marvin) Thornburg of Lexington, Nebraska, daughter-in-law, Trudy Hopkins of Augusta, Georgia; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Hoppy was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Donna and Nancy; one brother, Jim; and, one grandson, Brian. Funeral Services will be Monday, June 8, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. at Eddyville Community Center in Eddyville, Nebraska with Pastor Doug Jones officiating. Burial with full military honors will be in Fort McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell, Nebraska. Visitation will be held Sunday, June 7, 2015, from 5-7 p.m. at Eddyville Community Center. At the request of the family, in lieu of flowers please, Memorials are suggested to Grace United Methodist Church, Heartland Military Museum or the Donor’s Choice. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family with arrangements. To share online condolences with the family please visit: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.