Funeral service for Retired SFC Ralph Hopkins, 80 of Killeen, TX will be held Monday, June 20, 2022, 12:30 p.m. at Chisolm's Family Funeral Home in Killeen, TX. Burial with full military honors will follow the service at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX.

Visitation will be held Sunday, June 19, 2022 (4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.) at the funeral home.

Ralph Hopkins was born on June 8, 1941, in Meridian, MS, to Leroy Hopkins and Susie Warren. Ralph moved to Detroit at an early age, where he met and married his lifelong love, Wilma J. Ware. They were high school sweethearts. They would have been married 61 years this September. Ralph and Wilma had three beautiful children, Debra, Darryl, and Doretha. Ralph passed away on June 7, 2022, in Austin, TX, lovingly surrounded by his family.

After graduating from High School, Ralph immediately joined the US Army. He faithfully served his country as a Military Policeman (MP) for 21 years, retiring as a Sergeant First-Class in Ft. Hood, TX. Ralph had many tours of duty while serving in this capacity, including multiple tours to Korea and Europe. He also received many honors and awards, too numerous to list. Upon retiring from the US Army, Ralph served another 21 years in Civil Service, in multiple capacities at the G3/ PTM Range Division in Ft. Hood. He was awarded the Commanders Award for Civilian Service, for his outstanding job performance. Lastly, Ralph worked for the Killeen Independent School District (KISD), where he retired, finally culminating his employment work history, but not his passion to work.

Ralph was a devoted and faithful servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. He served in multiple capacities at 19th Street Chapel in Ft. Hood for over 24 years. These include, President of the Brotherhood, a member of the Male Chorus and the Combined Choir, President of the Parish Council, an Usher, and a Sunday School Teacher. Ralph was an avid music lover and loved singing praises to the Lord. He was a member of the well renowned Gospel Travelers of Killeen, TX, from their inception. And he also served as the Vice President for this group. At the time of his death, Ralph served the Lord at Harvest Ministries, S.O.W. in Killeen, TX, under the leadership of Bishop M.E. Davis. He was a critical part of the Leadership team and served as a Sunday School Teacher, Praise Team Leader, and Finance Team Lead. He also taught the Senior Bible Study class at Lions Club Community Park, in Killeen, TX.

Ralph enjoyed spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Leonard and Johnny Hendley, and sister, Michelle Hendley. He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Wilma J. Hopkins, daughters, Debra J. Davis (Marian) and Doretha A. Gravenberg, son, Darryl A. Hopkins (Yvonne), granddaughter, Nakisha S. Davis, brother Charles Warren, sister, Shia Collette Hammond, and a host of nephews, nieces, and friends.