Obituary of Tunney Hopper

Tunney Hopper was born in a coalmining camp on October 16, 1936 in Bryson, Tennessee. He was one of ten children born from the union of the late James V. and Matilda A. (Owens) Hopper. After graduating high school in Middlesboro, Kentucky, he enlisted into the United States Army. He served his country honorably for two years earning several accommodations. Tunney married the love of his life, the former Betty Lou Carey on May 31, 1958. From this union came the birth of three children. Tunney and his family moved to Monroe in 1963 where he supported his family at Monroe Steel Castings as a molder. In 1978, they relocated back home to Speedwell, TN, there he was a member of Davis Creek Baptist Church for a combination of thirty-six years. Tunney loved helping others. He loved to joke and tell stories about the old days. He spent many hours outside; hunting, camping, fishing and growing plants in his garden; as well as out in the garage, tinkering on cars. He had a love for music, favoring bluegrass, old country, and gospel. Tunney loved his family and grandkid's most of all he cherished his time spent with them, especially around the holidays. Tunney Hopper age 79, of Monroe passed away 3:44am on Tuesday, May 17, 2016. In addition to his parents, his passing was preceded by his son: Donny Ray Hopper; siblings: Boyd Hopper, Hazel Hopper, Victor Hopper, Marie Sowders, and Carl Hopper; niece: Jennifer Hopper; two brothers-in-law: William Carey and Ed Evans; and sisters in law: Katherine Hopper and Irene Hawkins. To cherish his memory, he leaves two children: Patricia Hopper and Charles (Brenda) Hopper both of Monroe; four siblings: Ethyl Evans of Speedwell, Kentucky; Charlene Hopper of Middlesboro, Kentucky; Allen (Sandy) Hopper of Speedwell, Tennessee; Connie (Sue) Hopper of Middlesboro; seven grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren. Friends may gather from 2:00-8:00pm on Thursday, May 19, 2016 at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe, 14567 South Dixie Highway (734) 241-7070. He will be transported to Tennessee, where friends may gather from 1:00pm till a celebration of his life at 3:00pm at Coffey Funeral Home 15 Beech Street in Harrogate, Tennessee (423)869-4274. He will be laid to rest at Carr Cemetery in Speedwell, Tennessee. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.