Roderick Lynn Hopkins was born July 3, 1965, to Earl Hopkins and Louie Weathers Hopkins in Greenville, Mississippi.
As a young boy growing up in Mississippi, Rod always had a passion for working on cars and any type of mechanical vehicles. At the age of 12 years old, he would order and read magazines for hours to learn how to master the skill of working on cars. At 13 yrs old he re-built the motor in his Dad’s Ford car, built several Go Carts and his dad purchased his first motorcycle.
He truly loved the mechanical aspects of any vehicle no matter the type, make or model! He was very well versed and knowledgeable in these areas and often assisted his family and others with giving solid advice about the maintenance and upkeep of their vehicles.
Rod attended Greenville Public Schools in Mississippi until he moved to Maywood, Illinois with his Uncle John where he then attended and graduated from Proviso East High School. After graduation, Rod returned to Mississippi to attend Mississippi Delta Community College, where he earned a certification in Auto/Diesel Mechanics.
After graduating, Rod moved to Sacramento, CA where he lived and worked for 30 plus years as a diesel technician and trainer before relocating to Utah for a promotional opportunity and later to the State of Ohio.
Rod married his high school sweetheart Dee McGee Hopkins, together for 38 years until his unexpected death. To this union two beautiful children were born (Kendall and Kendra).
Rod loved his family with all of his heart. He was always available to love, support and nurture his wife, children, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, co-workers and friends! He gave of himself daily, faithfully and unselfishly!!
Rod spent most of his life dedicated to the Auto industry. He was a Master Mechanic and not only was skilled in working on all types of vehicles, but he also trained, nurtured, educated, supported and mentored a number of young men in this field in different capacities. He also was a master in lawn care admired throughout the neighborhood. In addition, he loved to BBQ and shoot at the range. He was a loving husband and father and a model employee who gave 110% in all he did.
Rod transitioned to be with the Lord on March 12, 2025, just four months before his 60th Birthday.
He leaves to mourn and cherish his memories, a devoted and dedicated wife Dee, two children Kendall and Kendra. He also leaves three sister’s Gail, Phyllis, Reba, one brother Anthony, god brother Lloyd, sister-in-law Angela, brothers-in-law’s Corthell and Brian and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, co-workers and friends.
A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held at 3:30 pm Eastern Time on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Sommerville Funeral Services 1695 Diagonal Rd. Akron, Ohio 44320. Friends may gather from 3 pm until 3:30 pm at the funeral home.
You may view the live stream of this service here on this page.