Dr. Benny D. Hopper

Benny Douglas Hopper, age 83, died peacefully on November 17, 2021, at Jackson-Madison County Hospital.
He was born March 7, 1938, in Rutherford to Ben and Lois Hopper. He is survived by is wife, Gail and four children, Keith (Terrie) Wendy, Kelly (Rick) and John (Missy) and his sister, Jane Tanner. He was blessed with eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
He was a generous man who deeply loved his wife, family and friends, and every church he pastored and served. He mentored and counseled countless people over the years.
He loved taking his family on vacations and playing cards and games with family and friends.
Benny never met a stranger. He knew the name, hometown, and story of everyone who cared for him over the years, as well as any stranger he stood in a line beside.
Benny graduated from Rutherford High School, where he was awarded the FFA State Farmer award. He served eight years in the Naval Air Force Reserves from 1955 thru 1963. He graduated from Lambuth College in 1960 and the Methodist Theological School in Ohio in 1963. He later received an Honorary Doctorate from Lambuth University.
He was honored to serve the following churches and positions for the United Methodist Churches: Bath Springs, St. Joseph, and St. Johns in Waldo, OH, Pickwick, Pisgah and Shiloh, Newbern Circuit - Center and Rehoboth, Finley, St. Andrews, Humboldt, Brownsville, Memphis Asbury, Conference Council Director, Milan and Dyersburg District Superintendent.
The family has requested that memorials be directed to Grace UMC, 142 McClellan Road, Jackson, TN 38305, Lakeshore Lakeshore United Methodist Assembly, 1458 Pilot Knob Road, Eva, TN 38333 or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Arrington Funeral Directors, 148 W. University Parkway, 731.668.1111 www.arringtonfuneralgroup.com