Rudolph Hopkins

HOPKINS ~ Rudolph “Smiley” Hopkins was born January 12, 1926 in Hampton, South Carolina to Leroy Hopkins and Ola Bush.  He was called home peacefully, surrounded by family and prayer, Saturday, April 21, 2018.

Smiley was a kind and generous soul.  Although he was a quiet man, he gave us all such courage and hope and reminded us of the preciousness of life.  He loved to spend time with his family, friends, shoot pool and fish. Smiley lived in Zellwood, Florida and is a high school graduate from The Hungerford School.  He served in the United States Marine Corp as a Montford Point Marine, America’s First Black Marines.  For fifty-five years, he was an active member of International Longshoremen's Association #1408 retiring in 2012 at the young age of 86.

In 2012, Rudolph was joined by 317 fellow Montford Point Marines receiving the congressional gold medal by President Barack Obama, the highest civilian honor that Congress could bestow.

He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara; brother, Eugene Lenell; sons, Rudolph Jr., Carl and Dennis.  Rudolph is survived by his seven children, Kimberly Monroe (Terry), Kelley Taylor (Karl), Jason Hopkins (Jamila), Randy, Denise Smith, Felicia Hopkins (Ronald), Rhonda Hopkins (OJ); grandchildren, Megan, Morgan, Joshua, Jaylen, Journey, Delvin, LaShanda ,Amanda, Dominique, Valencia, Denetrice, Leroy, Brandi, Chelsie, Stephanie; a host of great grandchildren; sister, Pearl Mason; special brother-in-law; nephews, nieces, other relatives and many friends.

Homegoing Services will be 11:30 AM Monday, April 30, 2018 at Wayman Temple AME Church, 8855 Sanchez Road, Rev. Mark Griffin, Pastor.  Interment at Jacksonville National Cemetery.  Because of the love of his family, arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Dr, 904.924.9400.

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