Royal Berdon Hopkins

Royal Berdon “RB” Hopkins, 96, passed away Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at his home surrounded by his devoted family. He was born February 14, 1922 in Wake County to the late William Robert Hopkins and Lila Mitchell Hopkins. RB graduated from Wendell High School in 1939. After marriage to Elaine Knott in 1943 he moved to the Bethlehem community. As a young man, RB was a catcher for the Raleigh Capitals Minor League Baseball team. He served on the Knightdale School Board for 15 years and soil conservation with Wake County for 20 years and was the first agent for NC Farm Bureau in Wake County. He was a retired self-employed farmer. As long as his health permitted he was devoted to Bethlehem Baptist Church where he served as Deacon, Sunday School Teacher and as a member of various committees.

Funeral service 3:00 pm, Friday, January 18, 2019 at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 8400 Poole Rd, Knightdale, 27545. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. 

The family will receive relatives and friends prior to the service from 1:00 to 2:45 pm at the church in the sanctuary.

Surviving: son, Gregory Berdon Hopkins (Paula); daughters: Bonnie H. Hart (Jim), Kathie H. Watkins (Bobby) all of Knightdale; grandchildren: Greg Hopkins, Jr. (Allison), Christi Denton (Sammy), Whitney Keith (Mark), Hannah Ferrell (Steve), Katie Laine Wilkerson (Jonathan), Benjamin Watkins; great-grandchildren: McKenly, Auston, Parker, Lainey, Landon, Tucker, Tanner, Abbey; brother, F.L. “PD” Hopkins of Knightdale; sister, Mildred H. Wall of Garner.

In addition to his parents, RB was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine Knott Hopkins on January 17, 2013; grand-daughter, Angela Henry; brothers: Joe, Mack, John, Harley; sisters: Erdis H. Hunkin, Sybil H. Ellis and Garnetta H. Pearce.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Bethlehem Baptist Church.

The family is forever grateful for Veronica, Tara, Mary and other compassionate and loving caretakers.

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