Fred Stephen Hopkins

Steve Hopkins, 95, of Albemarle, peacefully entered his heavenly home on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at the Taylor House. His funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at South Albemarle Baptist Church, with Pastor Danny Laws officiating. Burial will follow at Stanly Gardens of Memory. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, from 5:00 until 7:00 PM at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care. Born on August 14, 1930, in Stanly County, Steve was the son of the late Fred Haywood Hopkins and Maude Carpenter Hopkins. He proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Navy, where he developed a lifelong love of storytelling and often shared cherished memories from his time of service. A devoted follower of Christ, Steve was a longtime member of South Albemarle Baptist Church, where his faith guided every part of his life. When asked what mattered most to him, his answer was always the same: "Jesus." He lived out that faith daily, leading by example with a generous heart, a servant's spirit, and an unwavering love for his family. Steve dedicated his career to education as the principal of Endy Elementary School, where he touched the lives of countless students, families, and colleagues. After retiring from education, he followed his entrepreneurial spirit and pursued his passion for real estate as the owner and operator of Hopkins Real Estate. He was a man of many talents and interests. Steve loved construction work, reading-especially the Bible, and writing stories about local history and his life, including his time in the Navy. Above all else, he loved his family deeply and wholeheartedly. He adored and spoiled his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and devotion. Steve was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Juanita Florence Poplin Hopkins, who passed away on November 13, 2013. He is survived by two daughters, Trina H. Smith of Albemarle and Tonya Hopkins Kerr of Charlotte; a brother, Larry Hopkins; sisters Violet Smith and Helen Swaringen, all of Norwood; four grandchildren, Wendy Holbert, Brett Smith, Derek Smith, and Erica Kerr Sued; and twelve cherished great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Lesca Bundy. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to: South Albemarle Baptist Church 1005 S 2nd St Albemarle, NC 28001 North Carolina Baptist Children's Homes 204 Idol St Thomasville, NC 27360 St. Jude Children's Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org American Cancer Society https://donate.cancer.org Steve lived a long and fulfilling life devoted to his faith, his family, and his community. His gentle spirit, kind heart, and steadfast devotion will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Fred Stephen Hopkins

August 14, 1930 - September 7, 2025