Jacob R. Hopkins was born on April 25, 1949 to the late Willie and Marion Lomax Hopkins in Monroe, NC.  He left his humble earthly home in Rural Hall, NC in route to his Heavenly Palace on Friday morning, October 5, 2018.  October 5 is a truly blessed date given that it is the date of Jacob's transition and also the birthdates of both his eldest son and that of his youngest grandson.

After graduation from Monroe High School, Jacob earned his BS and JD degrees from NC Central University in Durham, NC.  While a student at NC Central, he pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and began a lifetime love affair with his future wife, Jean Harrington.  The two were married in 1977 and this union was blessed with two sons, Jacob, Jr. and Ryan.  The couple moved to Winston-Salem, NC in 1977 where Jacob began a long and prosperous career in auto sales.  He worked hard all of his life and expected others to at least try to do likewise.  His hobbies included fishing, yard work to the point of neighborhood competitions, and all things "Panther."

Jacob was unique in so many ways.  He was exceedingly friendly and extroverted, but also infuriatingly stubborn and opinionated.  He could be boisterous and demanding but also loving, gentle, and more than willing to help anyone who helped themselves.  He loved God, he loved family, and if you were lucky enough to be called friend, he loved you too.

In addition to his parents, Jacob was preceded in death by his siblings, Shelton, Ernest, John, and Willie Marie.

Memories will be lovingly cherished by his wife of 41 years, Jean Harrington Hopkins; sons, Jacob of Raleigh, NC and Ryan (Jessica) of Greensboro, NC; grandchildren, Nasean Hairston, Shamariah Hopkins, Aaron Rutledge, Tromaine Hopkins, Gabrielle Hopkins, and Destiny Hopkins; brother, Otis Hopkins of Dallas, TX; sisters, Marion Tucker of Fort Pierce, FL and Brenda Hopkins of Monroe, NC; mother-in-law, Harriett Harrington of Thomasville, NC;  sisters-in-law, Gwen Hopkins, Rosa Nelson, Coro Green, and Paula Harrington; brothers-in-law, Morris Tucker, Leroy Harrington, and Dewayne Taylor; one aunt, Sarah Diggs; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel. The family visitation will be held from 12:00noon until 1:00pm on Wednesday at the Chapel.  Burial will be held at 11:00am Thursday, October 11, 2018 in Salisbury National Cemetery, Salisbury, NC.