David Hopson Obituary

David Hopson December 18, 1951 - September 1, 2024

ERWIN - David Paul Hopson, aged 72, of Erwin, passed away at his home on Sept. 1, 2024. He was the son of the late Paul and Gladys Franks Hopson. A nearly lifelong resident of Unicoi County, David relocated to Nashville in 2022 with his wife, Carolyn, to be closer to his son, Josh, daughter-in-law, Jessica, and two grandsons, Isaac and Asher.

The most important thing in the world for David was his family. One of his happiest moments was the arrival of his grandson Isaac in 2020, followed by Asher in 2022. He loved his role as the boys' "Pop" and never missed a soccer game, birthday, church event or opportunity to practice the perfect fist bump. Those who talked to David recently instantly knew how proud he was of his family and his little boys.

Beyond family, David's passions were many over his long life. He loved anything with an engine, particularly motorcycles and race cars. Many weekends were spent on a dirt bike trail covered in mud, the wind blowing past on a winding road or on a racetrack tweaking a car. On the times he wasn't you could probably find him floating down Watauga Lake on his pontoon boat, one of his favorite places in the world. He was also an avid antique gun collector, lover of all genres of music, and often shared stories from his life growing up on a farm.

Many will recall David as someone who loved people, whether they be family, friend or stranger. He would always help those around him, even if that included offering his own shirt. Though quiet, the advice he gave to those who asked for it always rang loud and true.

David was a graduate of Unicoi County High School and spent most of his career employed at Mor-Flo Industries, Johnson City; CSX Transportation, Erwin; or Nuclear Fuels Services, Erwin. He, Carolyn, and Josh were active members of Unicoi Methodist Church for many years.

In addition to his wife, son, daughter-in-law, and grandsons, David leaves behind a sister, Glenda (Burl) Bennett; brother, Donald "P-Nut" Hopson; sister-in-law, Teresa (Lonnie) Doty; brother-in-law, Chuck (Debi) McInturff; sister-in-law, Kim Carmichel; and many extended family members and close friends. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by two sisters, Wanda (Dwight) Miller and Kathyrn (Terry) Tapp, and one brother, Ronald Hopson.

The family will receive friends 3:30-5pm on Fri., Sept. 13, immediately followed by a Celebration of David's Life at 5pm. Both events will take place at Unicoi Methodist Church. Dr. Mike Pinner, a long-time friend of the family, will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Unicoi Methodist Church, 702 Virginia Street, Unicoi, Tennessee, 37692.

Thank you to all those who knew David. Though his family will miss him dearly, they are left with many fond memories and stories of good times he had with all those he loved. The impact he had on those around him will long outlive his time on earth.