It is with extreme sadness that the family of Richard Allen Hopkins announce his sudden passing on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the age of 73.
Rick was born in New Bern, NC in 1952 to Raymond & Bessie Hopkins. As a gangly teenager, he met the love of his life, Anne Hawkins Hopkins, while sitting on the hood of his car at the Charburger in 1969. They went on to marry in 1971 and have 5 children, of whom he was immensely proud. He worked at a local tv station, learning various jobs before finding his career at Cherry Point – NADEP. There, he began as a helicopter mechanic, transferring to I.T. and moving up until he became Web Master of the Depot. He retired after 32.5 years. While raising his 5 children and mentoring many neighborhood children, Rick coached little league baseball through Babe Ruth league until his boys outgrew the sport. Between games, he always made time to attend every baton and cheer event for his daughters. Once Rick dedicated his life to God, he began service to his church, St. Mary’s Freewill Baptist. He served as a deacon and as the audio/visual expert for many years. He also proudly served as a Gideon with Gideon International. After retirement, Rick took his hobby of photography full-time and started Life Reflections Photography. He also hosted web pages on the side as Right Coast Webs. In later years, he felt a calling to make a difference in this country he truly loved. Standing for what he believed was right and what he believed would create a safe and secure future for his children and grandchildren, Rick joined Coastal Carolina Taxpayers Association. He was elected as Chairman for several terms, creating and hosting the local radio show, The Wake-Up Call. Rick then was asked to chair the Craven County GOP, where he served with great distinction.
Rick Hopkins was more than anything we could write on this page. Take what you know about him and quadruple it. That is not to say that he was in any way perfect, but for his family, he was perfect in every way. He was a man of great character, faith, and love. To his wife he was her absolute. He loved Anne with every fiber of his being. He set a true example for all his children of how a man should love a woman. Rick lived every moment of his life for those he loved. From baseball coach to baton recitals, ball with the neighborhood kids, cooking for whoever showed up, never batting an eye at the number of pallets on the bedroom floors because everyone wanted to stay at his house. Rick unknowingly spent many years mentoring and guiding so many young children, he was just being all he knew to be. When he became a grandfather, he was well prepared to be incredible at that too. All of his grandchildren were lucky enough to have him at every event, to roughhouse with, to make up silly songs and add sound effects to the mundane. He was a loveable goof, bringing more fun to an event than you could imagine. A great man of integrity and high morals, his character was never compromised, staying true to the man he was meant to be; a warrior for God and a blessing to all who knew him. He was a strong, kind man who has left his family with invaluable lessons they will carry forever. He touched the lives and hearts of so many; from opening his home, to helping complete strangers, to sharing his faith with all who would listen.
On the morning that he passed he was telling Anne that God had put a calling on his heart and he was trying to figure out what it was. He dedicated his life to following God’s calling on him and lead by example for so many. Not long ago, he told his family he felt God had a lot more for him to do and he just didn’t know why. He never saw how truly incredible he was; he never understood why people wanted to hear his opinions and thoughts, and he never felt he deserved the accolades given to him by so many. Long before Rick was following Christ, He had a hold on him, and He knew what an amazing warrior he would be. The world has truly lost a great man who was on a mission to do good. He has left behind an army of one incredibly strong wife, strong and faithful children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and he will live on in each of them. Words cannot convey how prolifically he was involved in our lives and how much he is missed. He was always the one to turn to, and he was only ever a phone call away. If he didn’t know the answer, he would figure it out. He was a rock, a guiding light, and a safe haven in the darkness. He shared his love for Christ with everyone and with that we know he is rejoicing in Heaven.
Rick was proceeded in death by his grandmother, Alvena Hall, his father, Raymond Hopkins, his mother, Bessie Hopkins, and his son, Michael Hopkins. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 54 years, Anne Hopkins; sons Mark Hopkins (Teri), Matthew Hopkins (Kari), daughters Melissa Potter (Brian), and Melanie Pledger (Kevin); grandchildren Chance Credeur, Paiton Tyner (Austin), Alison Perry, Caroline Jones (Alex), Xzandria Hopkins, Xzavier Hopkins, Niki Potter, Caleb Potter, Kevin Pledger Jr. (Moriah), Krystal Pledger, Kimberly Whisenant (Mike), Andrew Pledger (Delanie), and Lillie Belcher (Bradley); great grandchildren Saige, Mila, Jovie, Halen, Trace, Winston, Dylan, Trinity, Alexis, Charlie, Zoey, and Lilith.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, 21, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Maola at Riverside, 1400 N. Craven St., New Bern.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be directed to The Gideons International (www.gideons.org).
