Ronald T. Hopkins, Sr.

Ronald T. Hopkins, Sr., age 91, of Clayton, DE, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, January 9, 2025.

Born in Wilmington, DE on December 13, 1933, he was a son of the late Irving Louis and Ethel Muriel (O’Hara) Hopkins. Ronald enlisted in the United States Air Force at 17 years old and proudly served as a trainer and drill sergeant. He made his career as a produce manager at Acme Markets until his retirement.

In his younger years, Ronald enjoyed driving and exploring the country with his family. As an avid outdoorsman, he and his wife, Natalie were members of the National Campers and Hikers Association as well as the Moonlighters Camping Club. Ronald also enjoyed bowling in his free time and competed on a team for Acme with his brother, Charles. Ronald enjoyed tending to his garden and bird watching. He had a passion for animals and loved doting on his beloved dog, Kippy. He could often be found reading Western novels or watching John Wayne Westerns and war movies, he especially enjoyed World War II movies. Ronald will always be remembered as a caring and compassionate person.

In addition to his parents, Ronald was preceded in death by his wife, Natalie (Sapp) Hopkins; son, Ronald T. Hopkins, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Patricia Hopkins; and siblings, Irving L. Hopkins III, Shirley V. Fulton, Kenneth R. Hopkins, Sr., Jean M. Janulewicz, John R. Hopkins, and Charles R. Hopkins. He is survived by his brother, James E. Hopkins; grandchildren, Ronald T. Hopkins III (Karen), Tracy Pawlikowski (TJ), and Thomas Kermode (Carla); great-grandchildren, Amanda Hopkins, Brittni Hopkins (Ryan), Kaylee Pawlikowski, Ellie Pawlikowski, Rylee Kermode, Renee Kermode (Dan), Rianna Gunter (Jeff), and Robert Pierce (Felicia); great-great-grandson, Brantley, and 3 more on the way; and many extended family members.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 4 pm until 6 pm on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 6 pm. Inurnment will be held privately in St. Georges Cemetery.