Jerry Wayne Hopkins, 80, died surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, 29 April 2020 following long and courageous fight against Parkinson's disease. He was born in Boswell, Oklahoma July 15, 1939, the youngest child of Floyd Lee and Annie Laura Hopkins. His family moved to a farm in Allen's Point, Texas, outside of Honey Grove, in the early 1940s. In 1952 the Hopkins family moved to Fort Worth - a city Jerry proudly called home for the remainder of his life. Jerry graduated from Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School in 1957, where he was captain of the football team, and All-District left guard and linebacker. His senior quote was 'He gains the things he seeks,' and he lived these words throughout his life. In 1986, Jerry was awarded the Ann Brannon Student Achievement Award as a distinguished alumnus of the Fort Worth school system. From August 1962 until January 1963, Jerry was on special duty in the US Army. Following his service in the Army, and with concentrated work, Jerry completed three years of college work in two years (all while working on a part-time basis), and was awarded his BBA degree in Marketing from the University of North Texas in 1965. In 1958, Jerry began working for Texas Refinery Corporation as a part time addressograph clerk. This was the beginning of a wonderful 56 years at TRC. Through his hard work, skill, and determination, he rose steadily through the company to become its President and Chief Operating Officer in 1985, a position he held until his 2014 retirement. Jerry had a lifelong love of golf, and spent many enjoyable Saturdays and Sundays playing with friends on the Ridglea courses. Jerry was also a huge football fan, in particular of TCU, the Texas Longhorns, and even still the Dallas Cowboys (in spite of the last 25 years). Until his final year, Jerry still enjoyed meeting his high-school buddies for lunch at El Rancho Grande, or one of their other old Northside hang-outs. Jerry married the love of his life, Antoinette Payne, on June 20, 1969. In 1975, they had a son, Steven Wayne Hopkins. Jerry and Antoinette celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2019, and Antoinette provided him with unflinching love and support throughout their marriage, and even more so as his health worsened. Jerry was the absolute best dad a son could have, and the world would be a better place if all fathers were as amazing as him. Survivors: Jerry is survived by his loving wife and son, numerous adoring nephews, nieces, and other family members, and a countless number of lifelong friends. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Buddy and Mac and John, and his sister, Mary Ann. Service: A family burial will occur at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park.

Notes: Veteran tag added per auto SAC on 22 Aug 2023. Special thanks to contributors: 47481679, et al.