Henry was born on December 15, 1954, to Lara Bell Hopgood and Jim Austin Hopgood. From the very beginning, he was surrounded by family, and throughout his life, family remained at the center of everything he held dear.

Henry was a man who found happiness in the simple things. He loved spending time with his family, creating memories that will be treasured forever. He enjoyed camping, being outdoors, and sitting peacefully by the water with a fishing pole in his hand. Those quiet moments brought him joy and reflected the calm and appreciative spirit that defined him.

Henry was also a devoted fan of Elvis Presley. The music of Elvis brought him comfort, happiness, and many fond memories throughout his life. He especially loved attending performances by Elvis impersonators, where he could enjoy the music, the energy, and the spirit of an entertainer he admired so much. Family and friends will always remember the smile those performances brought to his face and the joy he found in celebrating the music he loved.

Henry’s life was enriched by the relationships he built and the love he shared. He was someone who valued connection, loyalty, and the importance of being there for the people he cared about. His presence brought comfort, laughter, and warmth to family gatherings and everyday moments alike.

Henry was preceded in death by his loving parents, Lara Bell Hopgood and Jim Austin Hopgood; his brother, Alan Wayne Hopgood; his sisters, Connie Patrick and Peggy Knapp; his brothers-in-law, Wally Patrick and Paul Knapp; his nieces, Kimberly Patrick and Brandy Reid; and his nephew, Ronny Hammonds. While he deeply felt the loss of those family members throughout his life, we take comfort in imagining their joyful reunion.

He is survived by his uncle, Buster Scott, his aunt Joyce Jenkins, his niece, Lara Speck; his nephew, Kevin Speck; his great-nephew, Keith Speck; his great-niece and great-nephew, Kristen Speck and Kevin Wayne Speck; his great-niece and nephew Kelsea Speck and Donovan Britt , great niece and nephew Brandon Simpson and Jacee Simpson, his great niece Kylee Simpson, great nephew Dustin Frazier, great niece and nephew Amber Hammonds and cross Confessore and great nephew Ronny Hammonds ; his great-great-nephew and best friend, Austin Speck; and his cherished great-great nieces and nephews: Paulley speck, Savanna Speck, Blake Speck, Madison Speck, Aubrey Speck, Autumn Confessore and Swayde Simpson.

One of the most special relationships in Henry’s life was the bond he shared with Austin. Though they were separated by generations, they shared a friendship built on love, trust, laughter, and companionship. Austin was not only Henry’s great-great-nephew—he was his best friend. Their time together was a source of joy for Henry, and that bond was a testament to the kind of person he was: someone who could connect deeply with those he loved, regardless of age.

Today, as we remember Henry, we celebrate a life that was rich not because of material things, but because of the relationships he nurtured and the moments he cherished. We remember the camping trips, the fishing stories, the Elvis songs, the family gatherings, and the laughter that made life brighter.

Although our hearts are heavy with grief, they are also filled with gratitude. We are grateful for the time we shared with Henry, for the memories that remain, and for the love that death can never take away.

As we say goodbye, let us remember Henry Austin Hopgood not only for the years he lived, but for the love he gave. May we honor his memory by cherishing our families, appreciating life’s simple pleasures, and holding close the people we love.

While we will miss Henry every day, we find comfort in our faith and in knowing that he is no longer suffering. Today, Henry is reunited in Heaven with his Momma and Daddy, his brother and sisters, his nieces and nephew, and all those loved ones who went before him. Most importantly, he is finally home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In that promise, we find peace. In that faith, we find hope. And in that hope, we know that this goodbye is not forever.

Henry will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished. His memory will live on in every fishing line cast across still waters, every family gathering filled with laughter, every Elvis song that plays, and in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.

May he rest in peace until we meet again.