Gary Ray Hopkins

HOPKINS, Gary Ray of Mesquite, born February 17, 1956, passed away December 1, 2008. Preceded in death by grandparents, Glen & Zoe Hopkins, Marie & Ted Bogue. Survived by wife of 33 years, Glenda Hopkins; children, Nick Hopkins, Richard Hopkins & wife, Shannah; grandchildren, Alexandria, Ariana, & Jayson Hopkins; parents, Buddy & Wilma Hopkins; brother, Steve & Audrey Hopkins; sisters, JoAnn Findl & husband, Eric, Robin Ezzell & husband, Ehren ; many other loving family and friends. Service will be 2:00PM Thursday December 4, 2008 at New Hope Funeral Home Chapel. Family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday evening from 6:00PM " 8:00PM. In the paper, the obituary reads: Gary Ray Hopkins Born February 17th 1956 Died December 1st 2008. This says so little about who this man, my friend, my brother Gary "Tuba" Hopkins really was. When I look out at the people gathered here, I see all the people Gary touched in so many ways. We are judged not by the splash we make but by the footprints we leave behind. When we were together discussing what we should do or making plans, Gary was always sitting back taking everything in. Gary wasn't the one to jump up and try to lead what was going on. He had the smallest ego I've ever seen. He sat back quietly while everyone fussed and discussed listening to what was said. When we would finally arrive at a plan he had one of my all time favorite responses, "Get in I'll drive." When I call Gary my brother that is because during my early years, Gary was the closest thing to a big brother I had. I first met Gary in the fall of 1963 I was 6 and Gary was 7. My Father, Harley had joined with Gary's Dad, Buddy, to help guide young men in cub scouts. I remember my first pinewood derby when Gary's car won. Even at 8 He had to have the fastest car. We grew to be close friends and I eventually followed Gary to boy scouts. I know that anyone who knew us back then heard the story of the summer camp at Lake Tawokoni when the first lake developed hurricane struck and blew down all the tents except ours, we were so proud that ours stayed up even as we spent the next three hours sewing it back together. A couple of years after that when Gary was in the fifth grade he discovered that girls weren't nasty creatures with cooties and began a friendship with a little girl who would become his soul mate. My older little sister Glenda. I remember the early dates to the Texan Theater where I was sent along as the chaperone. Little did our parents know that Gary was one of my best friends, and I would not snitch on my sister or my best friend. Gary had also discovered one of his greatest thrills FAST CARS, and how they worked. He carried this love the rest of his life. As a senior in high school, he won the Chrysler award for auto Mechanics he worked as a mechanic, opened his own Full service Gas station and Auto shop and even taught auto mechanics for a while. I am a do- it- yourself kind of guy and Gary became my personal Technical Advisor. I can't tell you the number of times I would call and tell Gary "I have a technical question for you" and he would patiently listen to my problem and give me the answer and it always seem to work. I always said that if Gary did not know what was wrong with the car then it had to be the driver. When Glenda and Gary got married October 26, 1975; he had found his greatest love, his lovely wife and soul mate Glenda. You could never see one without the other. The only times they were separated was during Super Bowl week when Gary and Buddy had to go to Vegas for the Super Bowl. He always loved football and especially the Dallas Cowboys. He bled Blue and Silver. A Few weeks ago, when we were at a costume wedding, Gary dressed as Wade Phillips. He was so excited to tell me about being mistaken for wade Phillips at a restaurant. Then Gary became a father, he once confided in me that being a father was the hardest thing he had ever done. Like all parents, he dearly loved his boys, but didn't know if he was doing it right. Since I had kids first, I offered what small wisdom I had. Be supporting and give them direction that is the best you can do. Gary was very proud of both Nicolaus and Richard. They are his legacy and they will always make their father proud. Gary's Final great love came just a few short years ago, when he became a grandparent. I became a grandpa last January. I was not at all enthusiastic about reaching this stage of my life. I told Gary about my great fear. As always, Gary gave me a thoughtful look and with his matter-of "fact delivery said "This is the greatest time of your life". More Sage wisdom from my older Brother. When I walked up to Gary and Glenda's house on Monday, the first thing I saw was their Grandma and Grandpa sign and I realized Gary was right again. It is more than OK to be a grandpa. Just like Ariana and J.J. were to Gary, my grandchildren bring joy to my life. Gary had a special glow when he talked about the latest devilment J.J. had gotten into or how precious Ariana was to him. Gary always sat in the background taking in the situation. You could call him the quiet man. He spoke matter of factly and to the point. He was always willing to help everybody without question or complaint. He never spoke badly of anyone. He was the anchor everyone could hold on to. The only people who could say Gary was not their friend had not met him. I, like everyone else, will miss Gary. He influenced everyone in this room. As I said earlier, we are not measured by the splash we make but by the footprints we leave. Gary has left some large foot prints for us to follow. His level headed approach, his calmness, his deeply caring heart will be dearly missed. We must all remember the joy this quiet kind man brought to each of us. His legacy is the people he touched. When you miss him, remember his kindness and sense of humor. God took Gary too soon, but if anyone here wonders about our next journey, I'll bet Gary is sitting in his Chevelle listening and as always, ready to help. I can hear him now saying "Hop in I'll drive". Donations may be made in Gary's name to The Lighthouse for New Hope Grief Center, PO Box 851030, Mesquite, TX 75185-1030.