Bernard “Bernie” Hopwood, 60, of Clarksville, Tennessee, left this world for his next adventure on Saturday, November 19, 2016.
He was born on February 25, 1956, in Nashville, Tenn., son of the late Thomas and Mary Hopwood.
Bernie was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, son and friend who was known far and wide as “the Dragon,” “the fun one,” and the “DOM.” He made everyone he met laugh, all of the time, but never in the morning, as he was the very definition of “not a morning person.” Woe to the person who dared to ask him a question before 8 a.m.!
Bernie regaled his friends and family with “I have a story,” …….all of them true, as far as his rapt audience knew. He was a classic “ladies man” who loved his “girlie-girls” and “wenches” both young and old, much to the amusement of his devoted wife and soul-mate, Stacey, who often egged him on in his innocent pursuits, which included temporary tattoo applications and sips of Goldschläger. Bernie was a passionate hockey fan and was also an avid golfer whose score card didn’t always match his actual swings and putts, especially during guys-only golf trips to the Birdsong B&B and Augusta, Ga., golf courses.
Bernie was retired from Kroger after 43 years of service, where he worked as a pricing coordinator in Nashville, Tenn. and Hopkinsville, Ky. He was proud to be a “free-thinker” and union man and was glad he got to vote the Democrat ticket one last time in the recent election.
Bernie was a jack of all trades and master of most, from fixing cars and erecting decks to restoring antique fans and building deluxe heated cat and dog houses. He loved his annual ocean cruises with his circle of friends and helping the Humane Society of Clarksville-Montgomery County as a longtime supporter. He had a big heart for animals and his family pets, especially his favorite girl, cat Princess Shadow, who crossed the Rainbow Bridge shortly before he did. Shadow is now reunited with her beloved daddy, no doubt cuddling on his lap, licking his hand and daring anyone else to come near him.
Bernie is survived by his devoted wife of 20 years, Stacey Coile Hopwood; son Bobby and wife Desire’ ; daughter Corrine and wife Joy; brothers Tommy Hopwood (Sharon), Danny Hopwood (Kay), John Hopwood, Frank Hopwood (Nancy), Larry Hopwood (Tracey), Jerry Hopwood; sisters Jean Hopwood, Patsy Slayden, Judy Johnson (Bill), Sherrie Campbell (Mark); grandchildren James, Alex, Rose, and Matthew Hopwood; many nieces and nephews; and scores of friends and former coworkers who will have an empty place in their hearts until they, once again, get to hear Bernie say, ” I have a story….”
The family extends their deep gratitude to the staff of Grace Healthcare of Clarksville and AseraCare Hospice for their compassionate care during Bernie’s last months. Stacey is especially appreciative to all of her family, friends and her co-workers at the Montgomery County Veterans Service Organization for their unwavering support and love during Bernie’s nearly 3-year battle with cancer.
Visitation will be on Saturday, November 26, from 3:00pm to 5:00pm, at Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life Party will follow in the Montgomery Room at the Riverview Inn, 50 College Street, Clarksville, TN, 37040 from 6:00pm to 10:00pm. All friends, former co-workers, and family are welcome. The Riverview Inn will accommodate overnight guests at a reduced rate.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Humane Society of Clarksville-Montgomery County, P.O. Box 571, Clarksville, TN, 37041.