Bennie Rudolph Hopkins

On Tuesday, December 1, 2020, Bennie Rudolph Hopkins, loving husband and father of four children, passed away at his home at the age of 86.

Rudolph was born September 13, 1934 in the Needmore community of McNairy County, Tennessee to Robert Bennie and Mary Mae Eleanor Smith Hopkins. He was a graduate of Bethel Springs High School. Rudolph was in the grocery business for 19 years and was an employee of General Electric for 25 years. In addition to public work, Rudolph was a lifelong farmer and served as a volunteer firefighter and first responder in Bethel Springs for more than 25 years. On October 25, 1952 he married his sweetheart, Naomi Jean Surratt.

Rudolph had a passion for hunting deer and quail, fishing, and raising watermelons. More than anything, he had a passion for people. He never failed to help people in need, many times sensing that need before it was made known. He was known for his gentle spirit and wisdom that came from his walk with God.

Rudolph was preceded in death by his parents, Bennie and Mae Eleanor; a granddaughter, Faith Lin Manley; a brother, Winston Hopkins; and two sisters, Nelda McCarter and Rebecca DeBerry. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jean Hopkins; three sons: Mike Hopkins, Jimmy Hopkins and wife Sheila, and Benjie Hopkins and wife Tammy; a daughter, Melissa Sellers; eight grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; a sister, Doris Hawkins and husband Donald; and many extended family and friends.