Dennis Hopkins, 55

Mr. Dennis Hopkins, 55, of Swainsboro, passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2025. Funeral services were held Sunday, February 23, at 3 p.m. at Jesus Saves Church with Reverend Brad McKenzie officiating, assisted by Reverend Johnny Baggett and Reverend Shannon Boula. Interment followed at Eastbrook Cemetery and Mausoleum. Family received friends Saturday, February 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Chapman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were Terry Reese, Tommy White, Chris Wilkerson, Tim Wilkerson, Randy Wilkerson and Henry Wilkerson. Honorary pallbearers were past musicians Dennis played with over the years.

Dennis was born September 30, 1969, in Swainsboro, to Edward Hopkins and Trannie Wilkerson Hopkins. He was one of a kind. Dennis was a determined man, hardheaded, stubborn, set in his ways, but he was also the love of my life. He stole his wife, Susan’s, heart when she was 14 years old, and he never turned it loose. Dennis was smart, funny, charming and the most handsome thing she had ever seen and was her heart. He loved to fish, hunt, and play his guitar and sing. The Lord knows he was great at that. Dennis and Susan traveled many miles for him to play and sing over the years. They had good times over the years, but they also had tough times, but they fought their way through everything that came along. They had Heather and Cody, and Dennis taught them everything he could so that they would be able to stand on their own. Susan has to say he was a wonderful daddy (Deddy). He loved their babies with everything he had and would have followed them to the ends of the earth. Dennis coached them in ball, taught Cody how to play the guitar, how to change their oil and tires, taught Cody how to operate big machinery before he even had a license to drive. He taught them everything he could. When the grandbabies started coming, you could just see his heart explode, he loved them so much. Dennis always smiled the most when they were around.

Dennis fought a long hard battle for many years. Diabetes took its toll on his body so that over time he just got wore down. The last few years were exceptionally hard on Dennis when he had his amputations. Within three months, he lost both his hands and his right foot. Dennis was a fighter, and he fought so hard, but Susan does not think he really smiled again after that. Life got so hard for him. Dennis would push through the best he could, but Susan often wondered if he was doing it for himself or for them. He was tired and had been for quite a while.

Dennis Hopkins, you were the love of my life. I have loved you since day one and I always will. I have seen you fight and struggle for so long, now it is time for you to rest. You gave it everything you had and then some. You taught our babies everything you could and for that I am so grateful. You shaped them into the wonderful adults they are and the most amazing parents. You will always have my heart, and you will always be with me. There will never be a time that I do something that I will not think of you. Your fight is over and for us, the days to come will be extremely hard, but we also know you are at peace. You go play that guitar in Heaven, for you are whole again now, and keep an eye on us down here. I love you; I always have and always will. Love you bunches, Susan. Mr. Hopkins is preceded in death by his brother, Donald Hopkins.

Mr. Hopkins is survived by his parents; wife of 36 years, Susan Wilson Hopkins of Swainsboro; son, Cody Hopkins (Chelsea) of Swainsboro; daughter, Heather Murry (Matt) of Swainsboro; grandchildren, Noah Hopkins, Mason Murry, Aubri Murry, Jax Hopkins and Chase Hopkins; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and many friends.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro was in charge of arrangements.