Charles William Hopkins
September 12, 1966 – October 29, 2024

Charles William (Will) Hopkins passed away Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, Georgia, after a brief illness.

Actually, that's not entirely correct. Will hadn't been right for some time, and that's why people loved him. A planner of parties, organizer of events, and sought after designer and decorator, Will was like a mad scientist who would show up with an eclectic assortment of antiques, burlap and driftwood piled high in the back of his pick-up truck (think Mr. Haney on Green Acres). And when he was finished – typically about five minutes after the party was scheduled to begin – the place would look like a magazine spread.

Other jobs on Will's resume included McDonald's, marble installer, youth basketball referee, flight attendant, gym floor refinisher, potentially a doctor – as during one extended absence, mail began showing up at his parent's house addressed to "Dr. William Hopkins", heating and air contractor, antique store owner and operator, postal worker, remodeling contractor, restaurant owner, personal home caregiver, floor covering salesman, male nanny (should we call him a "manny"?) and prolific champion fundraiser for untold worthy causes.

Will was born and raised in the Hickory Flat community of Cherokee County in rural north Georgia, the first-born child of Charles and Jackie Hopkins. He was a proud graduate of Hickory Flat Elementary and Cherokee High School. Along the way, he found salvation as a young boy through his faith in Jesus Christ at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. (Although later in life, he would sometimes say, "I love Jesus, but I cuss a little.")

In addition to his parents, Will is loved and missed beyond measure by sister Sherry Wallace, her husband Jay Wallace, and their children Huck and Charli Wallace; sister Jenny Hopkins and her son Lochlan Palmer; brother Hank Hopkins, his wife Laura Hopkins, and their children Maverick Reeves and Hoyt Hopkins; true friend Tracy Phelps, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was once mistaken to be the grandfather of his niece and nephews on a summer vacation and became known thereafter as "Willie G" (slang for Grandpa Will).

During his hospitalization, he pointed out that he couldn't think of any better people to work for than the Prance family and Cherokee Floor Covering, a sentiment shared by Will's parents and siblings.

Will selected Darby Funeral Home in Canton to handle his funeral arrangements. He chose Darby because he preferred the decor there.

In discussing his funeral plans, he insisted that certain people had better be doing some very public wailing over his coffin. Ladies, you know who you are. You'll have that opportunity Friday, November 1, from 4 to 8 p.m. Will would also expect you to return for more public wailing on Saturday, November 2, from 2 to 8 p.m.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, November 3, at the home of Jay and Sherry Wallace, 869 Hube Turner Road, Canton, Georgia, (in the Free Home community of Cherokee County). The service will be outdoors. Will would tell you to suck it up. It's not that cold.

Burial will follow immediately afterwards at the newly established Hopkins & Wallace Family Cemetery on the property. Ever the trailblazer, he'll be the first one laid to rest there, where his family will cherish his memory and visit him often – especially his brother-in-law, who'll no doubt have to mow the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Willie G's Christmas For Children. https://www.givesendgo.com/GDPXR?utm_source=sharelink&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=GDPXR

The Funeral Service will be live-streamed at:
https://vimeo.com/1026319756?share=copy#t=0