Graham Funeral Home

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Michael Hopkins
In Memory of
Michael Rodney
Hopkins
1941 - 2017
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Obituary for Michael Rodney Hopkins

Michael Rodney Hopkins
Commander Michael Rodney Hopkins (Ret.), 75, passed away May 25, 2017. Michael was born in Evansville, IN to the late Alvin and Minnie Gambrle Hopkins. Mike enlisted in the Navy in February 1959 and rose through ranks E-1 to E-9 and then Warrant Officer ranks W-1 through CWO4. He retired as a Commander in September 1991 while serving as the Flag Secretary and Executive Assistant to the Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Mike served on destroyers, destroyer tenders, aircraft carriers, and numerous afloat and ashore staffs. He was also head of the LDO, Warrant Officer, and assignment office Chief of Naval Personnel. He received a Bachelors and Masters from Old Dominion University. Mike was a former school teacher with Virginia Beach Public Schools; a member of the Retired Officers Association; and taught HVAC at TCC and the Naval Base. He enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing and playing his guitar.

After many years of military service Commander Hopkins awards include: The Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (2nd award), and the Navy Good Conduct Award (2nd award).

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 34 years, Nydia M. Hopkins; daughter, Sandra J. Wick (Mark); brothers, Gary and Steve Hopkins; brothers-in-law, Victor, Thomas and Vincent; one granddaughter; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A service to celebrate his life will be held Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. at Graham Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1112 Kempsville Rd, Chesapeake, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Navy League at www.navyleague.org/ or to Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters (CHKD) at www.chkd.org/Support-Us/Donate/ . Please visit his book of memories at www.grahamfuneralhome.com to view the service if unable to attend and leave a condolence to the family.
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