Leo C. Hopkins

Leo C. Hopkins, 80, of Port Charlotte passed away at Tidewell Hospice House on July 4, 2016. He was the son of Calvin and Pattie Mae Hopkins, born September 15, 1936 in Newport News, VA. He graduated from Warwick High School in 1955, and began working at the C & P Telephone Co. as a Cable Splicer Technician. He was transferred to Northern Virginia and retired from Verizon in 1985. While in Northern VA, he began managing youth baseball teams in Woodbridge and Alexandria as well as Boy Scout Leader of several troops. Three times he was bus master of week stays in the mountain ranges of Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimmaron, New Mexico. Leo served for 10 years as Special Deputy for Prince William County and was recognized for Outstanding Community Service by the Jaycees for his years of dedication. In 1988 he moved to Port Charlotte. Because of his love of yard work and gardening, he owned a small lawn business for a few years. Leo then served as a funeral attendant first for Kays-Ponger Funeral Home, then for 16 years with Larry Taylor Funeral. He also volunteered 6 years with Heart to Heart Group at Charlotte Regional, counseling patients and their families after heart surgery. Leo was well known as a southern gentleman and for his meticulous grooming, and his years of work and volunteer service reaped many good memories and friendships. His antique collection of Santa Clauses was a treat every Christmas. He loved his family time of boating, camping, and sports participation. Many knew of his love for NASCAR and #24, Jeff Gordon, following his career since Jeff was 12. Leo will be dearly missed by his wife of 60 years, Doris; daughters, Theresa (Michael) Newman of VA and Stephanie Roehm of Syracuse, NY; son, Leo (Hae Young) Hopkins, Jr. VA; granddaughters, Erika (Hector) Gonzalez of Syracuse, NY and Emily Roehm of Virginia Beach, VA; great-grandchildren, Hector and Julie Gonzalez of Syracuse, NY; and many friends. The family will receive friends 10:00-11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at Larry Taylor Funeral and Cremation Services with the service in celebration of Leo's life beginning at 11:00 a.m with Rev. Matthew Neumann officiating. To express condolences to the family, please sign the online guestbook. Arrangements are by Larry Taylor Funeral and Cremation Services. The family appreciates and is thankful for the staff at Tidewell Hospice and Bayfront Port Charlotte for their kindness and care during his stay.