John Lawrence Hopper, 77 of Cullman, Alabama, passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2024, after living 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 Auburn University in 1969 where he studied Sales Engineering.
After graduation from Auburn, he began his life-long career in the steel industry. John also enlisted with the Army National Guard where he served honorably as a medic for the 109th Evacuation Hospital for 6 years.
On July 20, 1974, John married his devoted wife Remona “Mona” Sharp. John and Mona went on to have 2 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 the majority 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 found working on special projects for Mona or repairing mowers, boat motors, go carts, and other items that children and grandchildren had broken. Everyone knew that John could fix or build anything. He was also an accomplished clock builder. At age 60, John fulfilled his life-long dream of becoming a certified private pilot.
John was predeceased by both parents Emmanuel Reid Hopper and Evelyn Hopper and step- mother Judy Hopper. He is survived by Mona, his wife of 50 years, their 2 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 “chosen” brother George Simms and his wife Sheila.
The family wishes to especially thank Hospice nurses Ashley and April as well as night caretaker Amanda for all their help during the last days of John’s life.
Services will be held at Grace Episcopal Church on Friday, August 23rd. visitation will begin at 4:30 p.m. in the church parish hall with the funeral service beginning at 6:30 p.m. John’s ashes will be interred at Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville, Alabama, beside his parents at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of John to the Cullman County Animal Shelter, 935 Convent RD NE; Cullman, AL 35055.
