Christopher Lee Hopkins

Christopher Lee (Chris) Hopkins, 37, of Albany, GA., went home to our Lord and Savior on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at Willson Hospice House. Chris passed away quietly with many family and friends at his side. Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, February 22, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Avalon United Methodist Church. Rev. Dennis Lanning and Pastor Lee Waller will officiate. Interment will follow in Big Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, Coolidge, GA at 5:00 p.m.

Born in Jacksonville, NC, Christopher had resided in Albany, GA for the past sixteen years. He was a 1999 graduate of Lee County High School where he was a member of the special needs class. Chris worked at ASPIRE in Dawson, GA formally known as Terrell and Lee Rehabilitation Center since July 1999. He loved going to work every day and enjoyed seeing the staff and his co-workers. Chris was a member of Avalon United Methodist Church and he also loved to attend Dawson Street Baptist Church in Thomasville, GA.

At an early age Chris became involved with Albany ARC. He was one of the first athletes to enroll into the Albany, Parks and Recreation Department Special Olympic Program. He participated in bowling, softball, bocce ball and basketball where he received numerous awards as well as gold, silver, and bronze medals. February 13, 2015, Chris was presented the Most Valuable Player Award from the Albany Parks and Recreation Department. Major Doug Robertson and Lt. Wes Ferrell, on February 17, 2015, presented Chris the Military Child ribbon and medal which was pinned on him at Willson Hospice House for years of sacrifices he made while his father served his country overseas. He received a security forces hat as an honorary security monitor for the 165th Air Lift Wing Intelligence Office and the 165th Operational Support Squadron coin. Chris was a very special young man that loved everybody and everybody loved him.

Survivors include his father and step-mother Ira C. Hopkins and Pam Williams Hopkins, Albany, GA, his mother, Lydia Grammer, Birmingham, AL, a brother, Brian Matthew Hopkins and his wife Ashley, grandmothers, Virginia Reneau of Thomasville, GA and Mona Faye Williams of Albany, GA, a niece, Adalyn Hopkins and a nephew, Aiden Hopkins all of Leesburg, GA. Many aunts and uncles and cousins that he loved deeply.

Special friends include Joey Willock, Meme Jones, Special Olympic friends, and coaches and nurses at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital and Willson Hospice House that cared for him.

The family will receive friends Saturday, February 21, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Mathews Funeral Home.

Those desiring may make memorials to the building fund at Avalon United Methodist Church, 3018 Gillionville Road, Albany, GA 31721.