William Monroe "Mutt" Hopper

William Monroe "Mutt" Hopper, 95, slipped peacefully into God's arms, Saturday, August 13, 2011 at his home, 318 Cedar Street in Eden. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, August 17, at Kings Highway Christian Church with Reverend Dr. Richard Wynne officiating. Burial will follow in Overlook Cemetery. Mr. Hopper was born February 12, 1916 at the homeplace on Center Church Road to Charles Eugene Hopper, Sr. and Annie Dell Pratt Hopper. With his brother, Charles, Jr., he formed Hopper Brothers Oil Company, later known as Hopper Oil Company on Bridge Street. They served the people of Eden and the surrounding areas for over 70 years. He took great care that those who could not afford heating oil during the cold winter months would still be able to stay warm. In 1938, he married the love of his life, Mildred Rakestraw Hopper, daughter of Charlie Ball Rakestraw and Maebud Manley Rakestraw. A light in his heart went out when she died in 2000. Also preceding him in death were his parents, and brothers, Charles Eugene Hopper, Jr. and Joseph Rankin Hopper, Sr. Though he had only a high school education, William had an encyclopedic knowledge of the world and all things in it, with a particular interest in geography. He spent hours quizzing his children and grandchildren on places and then turning to the faithful World Book to learn more. Not only was he an astute businessman, he also could "fix" anything. He had a great love of music and over the years, he shared this love by donating organs and pianos to many churches. He is survived by his daughter, Reverend Betty Hopper Wynne of Raleigh and her husband, Reverend Dr. Richard E. Wynne and their children, Joshua Elliott Wynne, Zachary Andrew Wynne, William Samuel Wynne and Hannah Ashley Wynne, and his daughter, Vivian Anne Hopper Lee of Atlanta and her husband, Dozier Wayne Lee, Jr., and their children, Dozier Wayne Lee III and Jessica Randolph Lee. He is also survived by one nephew, Joseph Rankin Hopper, Jr. of Greensboro and his former secretary and companion, Shirley Brown Hankins of Stoneville, who spent countless hours caring for him during the past 11 years. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, 6 - 8 PM at Fair Funeral Home and other times at the residence. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com