Jerry Wayne Hopwood, affectionately known by many as “Hoppy” and by his favorite people as “Papa” passed away on September 29, 2026. While we his family are heartbroken, we are praising God for the testimony that Papa boldly lived. He was a dedicated member and Deacon of Beech Park Baptist Church where he would be found every time the church doors were open. He volunteered and served on the board for Oliver Springs Community Ministries and many other opportunities to show the love of Jesus to his fellow man. He loved woodworking and could be found working in his woodshop making woodcrafts for the Beech Park Crafts for Missions. He always had a smile and a story. He was the most generous person you could ever know.

 

Jerry was a 1965 graduate of Oak Ridge High School. He still enjoyed getting together with members of his graduating class. He was a 6th Generation Mason and was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Oak Ridge where he was a Past Master in 1995. He was also a member of the Knoxville Scottish Rite. Jerry (Hoppy) was employed at K-25, X-10 and ultimately retired from Y-12 after 46 ½ years of service. He was an electrician by trade, became the high voltage supervisor and was General Supervisor in Power Operations and Maintenance for many years. Many of his co-workers have stated over and over that no one knew the plant like him. He was well respected in all of his positions at Y-12. Later, Jerry left Y-12 and went to work for Bechtel Jacob’s at K-25 over Power Operations and Maintenance and worked on transferring the electrical power system over to the City of Oak Ridge. Even after his retirement he would get calls and could advise over the phone as to what needed to be done and where things were. He thought of his crew and his coworkers as a second family. He gave the best advice and loved everyone he worked with over the years. A special thank you to all of you for loving him and honoring him.  We would like to honor you at his funeral by having special seating for all of you that were in his crews and his co-workers.

 

The most important part of his life was his relationship with Jesus Christ. He has shared his salvation experience that he accepted Jesus when he was eight years old at revival at Central Baptist Church, sitting between his mom and dad. The next important thing was his family. The greatest title that he mastered was Dad, until he became Papa to five grandkids and five great grandkids. They all loved going to Papa and Gramma’s house, as grandparents they would go to anything the kids were involved in and just loved being with them.

 

Jerry’s true calling in life was a ministry that he cofounded in 1991, Back Country Mexico Missions. He referred to it as “The Work” and he wanted to see the people in the Sonora region of Mexico come to know Jesus as their Savior. He went on numerous mission trips, helped build churches, and saw that many people received the basic necessities to live- ALL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD!

 

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, FT and Loretta Hopwood; Brother, Thomas Hopwood; Great- Granddaughter, Caroline Rose Galka.

 

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Rita Faye Hopwood; Son and Wife, Shannon and Bianca Hopwood; Daughter and husband, Sherry and Robert Broaddus;

 

Grandchildren:

 

Matthew Payne

 

Jordan and David Galka

 

Blake and Shelby Broaddus

 

Brentley and Martha Broaddus

 

Breanna and Nathan Simpson

 

Great-Grandchildren:

 

Jackson, Ashton, Carson, Kessel and Holland

 

A special great nephew that spent much time with him recording family history, Matthew Laughter.

 

Jerry is also survived by a host of nephews, nieces, and extended family.

 

A very special family to him was the Cruz family.  They first became acquainted through Back Country Mexico Missions, but through the years, Ezequiel and Judith and the rest of the Cruz’s became like family.

 

Pallbearers: Matthew Payne, Blake Broaddus, Brentley Broaddus, Nathan Simpson, Matthew Laughter, Brock Laughter, David Galka, Ashton Whalen, Jackson Galka. Honorary Pallbearer: Carson Galka.

 

The family will receive friends at Beech Park Church on Thursday October 1, 2026, from 4:30 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. a Masonic Service and Funeral Service will follow inside the chapel officiated by Pastor Robbie Leach

 

Family and friends will meet on Friday October 2, 2026, at Anderson Memorial Gardens for an 11:00 A.M. graveside service.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Back Country Mexico Missions in Honor of Papa. A special project to remodel the kitchen at the church in Ures to feed the children and the elderly will be made in his honor.

 

We, the family, would like to thank everyone for all the calls and visits during this time. We are so blessed to have so many loved ones and friends. God is so good.

 

To leave a note for the family or to sign the online guestbook please visit www.jacksonfuneralservices.com

 

Jackson Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of all arrangements.