Coy Alexander Hopkins

Coy Alexander Hopkins, age 81 of Jefferson County, Talbott, TN, while surrounded by his children, departed this life for his eternal home on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 into the arms of Jesus and being reunited with his “sweetheart” Louise (Knight) Hopkins, his beloved wife of nearly fifty-four years who preceded him in death in 2015. From their union were born four children, six grandchildren, and five great grandchildren, all of whom he gave nicknames. He is survived by son, Stephen Coy “Scratch” (Aundrea) Hopkins; Daughters, Katherine Louise “Sissy” (Michael) Utter, Elizabeth Rose “Worm” Beaver, Rosemary Grace “Doll” (Michael) Watkins; Grandchildren, Allison “Alley Cat” (Jacob) Bellissimo, Katey “Bugsie” (Daniel) Rossie, Lauren “Lauren Jane” Watkins, Daniel Alexander “Dan’l” Watkins, Moriah “Maurie” Beaver, Melody “Pun’kin” Beaver; great grandchildren, Grant “baby G” Rossie, Bennett Coy “Ben-row, son of Fence-Row,” William “Willie Bill,” Mattie “Little Girl,” and, due on 3-16, John Marshall Bellissimo. He is also survived by sisters, Ethel Hill, Sarah (Escoe) Smith; brothers, Fred (Margaret) Hopkins, Douglas Hopkins; brother and sister-in-law Horace Greene and Betty Hopkins, and like a sister since childhood, Opal Cameron. He is also survived by sister-in-law Barbie (Knight) (Robert) Parker. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and church family all of whom he deeply cared about and loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Marshall Alexander “Bill” and Mary Pearl Amanda (Knowling) Hopkins; sisters, Bobbie Hopkins, Virginia Greene; brothers, Bernard Hopkins, Marshall “Doc” Hopkins, JT and sister-in-law Helen Hopkins and brother-in-law Howard Hill. He was also preceded in death by father and mother-in-law Clarence and Grace (Breeden) Knight. In Memory of daddy. In dad’s youth, he attended Pleasant Ridge School, a two-room schoolhouse, where dad was known for his kindness and helpfulness to others. When dad came of age, he went to work for Dalton Construction while continuing to work on the family farm. He served in the Army National Guard from 1959-1966 as a Staff Sargent and tank commander. He retired from Berkline after 43 ½ years in 2001. Dad spent his retirement years doing what he loved – farming, more so at his childhood family farm. One accomplishment he cherished was the rebuilding of the original house where he and his nine siblings were born and raised. He also helped his son-in-law, Michael Utter, to realize a long-time vision of building a small family chapel on the farm that he would use to pray. The place where the chapel stands is near the spot where he strongly felt the drawing of the Holy Spirit as he laid under a tree hearing the church bell ring and preaching and singing from a local church. That experience soon led him to go to that church, Pleasant Ridge Baptist, when he was sixteen years old. That day, he made his way down to the alter as the congregation sang “Just As I Am” to accept Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He later joined the church and was baptized at the Cedar Hill boat dock and was soon voted in to teach the young men’s class. In 1969, dad and mom became charter members of Sartain Springs Missionary Baptist Church where he taught Sunday school classes for fifty years. Dad and mom found great joy in organizing the annual Christmas caroling and delivery of fruit baskets to the sick and shut-ins. They were known for singing in beautiful harmony their song, “I’ve Been to Calvary,” throughout the years. Daddy was a spiritual, humble hearted man who steadfastly walked by faith. His Bible was worn from its constant use from his daily reading of the scriptures. He often quoted verses telling us kids “God’s ways will work” when relating how to handle life’s trials and how to live a life pleasing to our heavenly Father. He had several special spots he would go to earnestly pray for us and everyone on his heart. He was kind, gentle, encouraging, compassionate, considerate, thoughtful, honest, and fun loving. We have endless, loving memories of dad such as singing silly songs to us throughout the years. He often said “the happiest time of my life was when you kids were little and would yell ‘daddy’s home,’ and race each other to be the first one to kiss me when I got home from work.” The family wishes to thank the medical staff at UT Hospital for their skilled care, compassion and kindness during his time there. He repeatedly told the doctors and nurses “thank you for being so kind.” We also thank the many other staff members for their acts of kindness towards us as well. We also thank the community and his church family for all the prayers on his and our behalf. Dad will be sorely missed. But our loss is his eternal gain. The body will lie in state from 2:00 until 6:00 pm, Saturday, January 30, at Sartain Springs Missionary Baptist Church in Talbott. At 1:00 pm Sunday, January 31, the family shall meet at the Hopkins homeplace to commence a procession to carry his body to the church via a M Farmall tractor and wagon from his childhood homeplace routed to go by his house on Pollard Road. The tractor being used belonged to the late Harvey Moore to be driven by Rick Moore followed by Samuel Moore on a B John Deere. Funeral service will then be held at 2:00 pm Sunday, at the church with Rev. Ronald Winstead and Rev. Roger Porter officiating. Graveside interment to follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers are Samuel Moore, Clint, Bradley, and Mark Bacon, Jordan Knight, Scott Noe, Roy Smith and Nick Hodge. Singing will be done by church members and friends. For his children, “Daddy’s Hands” will be sung in tribute to their dad. Also, a hand pieced Farmall quilt made by granddaughter Allison will be draped over the barnwood casket and a homemade mourner’s bench, that daddy built, will be placed in front of the casket. The church bell shall be rung by Todd Martin 16 times representing Coy’s age at his day of salvation and then proceed into the sanctuary to place Coy’s Bible in the seat where he sat. In consideration of the health and safety of all those attending the services, Farrar Funeral Home strongly encourages all CDC guidelines be followed, including the use of face masks. Farrar Funeral Home of Jefferson City is in charge of the arrangements.