John Lawrence Hopper, 77, of Cullman, Alabama, passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2024, after a full and rewarding life.
John was born on December 14, 1946 to Emmanuel Reid Hopper and Evelyn Hopper. John graduated from Huntsville High School in 1965 and from Auburn University in 1969, where he studied sales engineering.
After graduating from Auburn, he began his lifelong career in the steel industry. John also joined the Army National Guard where he honorably served for 6 years as a medic in the 109th Evacuation Hospital.
On July 20, 1974, John married his devoted wife, Remona “Mona” Sharp. John and Mona had two sons, Andrew Reid Hopper and Matthew Lawrence Hopper. He was a member of Grace Episcopal Church in Cullman.
John retired from Nucor Steel in 2010 and spent most of his time enjoying his hobbies of woodworking, fishing, hunting, playing with 5 grandchildren and sitting on his deck overlooking the lake. John enjoyed time in his workshop where he was often working on special projects for Mona or fixing lawn mowers, boat motors, go-karts and other things his children and grandchildren had broken. Everyone knew John could fix or build anything. He was also an accomplished watchmaker. At age 60, John fulfilled his lifelong dream and became a certified private pilot.
John was predeceased by his parents, Emmanuel Reid Hopper and Evelyn Hopper, and his stepmother, Judy Hopper. He is survived by Mona, his wife of 50 years, their two sons and families: Andrew and Rochelle and grandchildren Grant, Brandon and Luke; Matthew and Schenaye and grandchildren Mary Claire and John Mauldin; and his best friend and “adopted brother” George Simms and his wife Sheila.
The family would especially like to thank the hospice nurses Ashley and April and the night nurse Amanda for their help during John’s final days.
Services will be held on Friday, August 23rd at Grace Episcopal Church. The viewing will begin at 4:30 p.m. in the church fellowship hall, with the funeral service beginning at 6:30 p.m. John’s ashes will be interred at a later date next to his parents at Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville, Alabama.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in John’s memory to the Cullman County Animal Shelter, 935 Convent RD NE; Cullman, AL 35055.
