William Monroe "Mutt" Hopper, 95, slipped peacefully into God's arms, Saturday, August 13, 2011 at his home, 318 Cedar Street in Eden. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, August 17, at Kings Highway Christian Church with Reverend Dr. Richard Wynne officiating. Burial will follow in Overlook Cemetery. Mr. Hopper was born February 12, 1916 at the homeplace on Center Church Road to Charles Eugene Hopper, Sr. and Annie Dell Pratt Hopper. With his brother, Charles, Jr., he formed Hopper Brothers Oil Company, later known as Hopper Oil Company on Bridge Street. They served the people of Eden and the surrounding areas for over 70 years. He took great care that those who could not afford heating oil during the cold winter months would still be able to stay warm. In 1938, he married the love of his life, Mildred Rakestraw Hopper, daughter of Charlie Ball Rakestraw and Maebud Manley Rakestraw. A light in his heart went out when she died in 2000. Also preceding him in death were his parents, and brothers, Charles Eugene Hopper, Jr. and Joseph Rankin Hopper, Sr. Though he had only a high school education, William had an encyclopedic knowledge of the world and all things in it, with a particular interest in geography. He spent hours quizzing his children and grandchildren on places and then turning to the faithful World Book to learn more. Not only was he an astute businessman, he also could "fix" anything. He had a great love of music and over the years, he shared this love by donating organs and pianos to many churches. He is survived by his daughter, Reverend Betty Hopper Wynne of Raleigh and her husband, Reverend Dr. Richard E. Wynne and their children, Joshua Elliott Wynne, Zachary Andrew Wynne, William Samuel Wynne and Hannah Ashley Wynne, and his daughter, Vivian Anne Hopper Lee of Atlanta and her husband, Dozier Wayne Lee, Jr., and their children, Dozier Wayne Lee III and Jessica Randolph Lee. He is also survived by one nephew, Joseph Rankin Hopper, Jr. of Greensboro and his former secretary and companion, Shirley Brown Hankins of Stoneville, who spent countless hours caring for him during the past 11 years. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, 6 - 8 PM at Fair Funeral Home and other times at the residence. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May you find peace at this time.
Sibyl Carter
Dear Betty & Ann, Just wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts & prayers. Mutt was a fine Christian man. There are so many great memories of times our families shared together - esp. the trip to DC. May God's comforting love surround you and keep you. Love you, Paul
Paul Land
Betty, Emma Jane told me Sunday of your father's passing. Know this is a great loss to your family and the community as well. Have many fond memories of hanging out at your house with both of your parents. Our prayers are with you and know loving arms surround you and sustain you during the coming days. Hope to see you soon.
Suzanne Clute Barton
Part of the salt of Eden's earth. Bless you all.
Sam Gwynn
Dear Ann and Betty, Sending love to you as you say goodbye to your father. I have such special memories of both Mutt and Mildred. As we grew up together, we spent so many happy times with loving parents -- perfect memories! Your Daddy was a sweet man, and he will be missed by all of us who knew and loved him. With love and sympathy, Jane Winn Thompson
Jane Winn Thompson
I'm so sorry hear of your father's passing. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and my prayers.
Kathleen Barbee Owen
The passing of your love one Mutt is a devasting experience for your family. There is times when only God can give your family comfort and this one of those times. The Bible based resurrection hope for Mutt is outlined by Jesus is found at John 5:28,29. The resurrection hope for Mutt is consoling for your family. Your family needs comfort because of the emotional and physical devastation you are experiencing. Psalms 34:18 states, "God is near those broken at heart and crushed in spirit". So rely on the God of all comfort Jehovah because "He himself will sustain you" during this most dreadful time.(Psalms 55:22)
Charles Bell
I just want to say that I am sooo sorry to hear about Mr. Hopper and it breaks my heart that I havent been able to see him since I broke my back June 11th. He was like a granddaddy to me and I loved him to pieces...It was a PLEASURE to have worked for him and I will NEVER forget his precious spirit. I pray for the entire family and it was a joy to know all of you. I will never forget his constant requests for my ipad to hear his favorites music...I will cherish the earphones I bought him so that could take place....rip precious Mr. Hopper...you are in heaven with your wife now!!!! If any of you ever need anything...you know how to reach me. My step-dad will attend the funeral in my place as I am still in bed healing from a 9 hour surgery to repair my broken back....LOVE YOU ALL!
Kim Smith
My sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one. My daughter saw the obit in the News and Observer, then called to let me know that the funeral is to be tomorrow. Had I not made plans to accompany a friend to a doctor's visit, I would have made an effort to get to Eden one more time. Would love to see two of my favorite students from that time period. Much love, Lois
Lois R. Hook
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Hopper family. My family was one of the families that Mr Hopper helped years ago.he was a very kind and understanding person.He will be very much missed in eden.because everyone knew him and liked him
Hilda Seals
Dear Vivian, Tom and I send our heartfelt condolences on your loss. I know your father was a very blessed man, because he had you as a daughter. I hope your fond memories of a wonderful father will give you comfort. I know you will keep his spirit alive. You are in our thoughts and we send our love to you, Wayne, Dozier and Jecca.
Lynnette Swerdlow
Anne and family we are sorry for your loss. Mutt was a wonderful and kind man. He will be missed .
AJ & Donna Powell
Anne and Betty so sorry to hear of your fathers passing. I remember all the times as a child I spent Sunday afternoons at your home. They were great times. I loved talking with your Father at church. He was a special person. Our loss is Heavens gain. I love yall.
Deborah Hall Redd
A reamrkable man with a heart of gold! Such a loss for our community. One of the finest men I ever met. He will be immensely missed. My sympathy tot friends and family.
Michael Reynolds
It was dark when I woke. This is a ray of suhnsine.
Tangela
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