Robert K. Hopson

Robert K. (Bob) Hopson departed this mortal world Sunday, August 27, 2023, to join the embrace of his Heavenly Father. Bob was born January 26, 1938, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to H. Clayton and Fay Hopson. Bob graduated from Knoxville Central High School in 1956, where he met his loving wife of 65 years, Mona Hopson (nee Adcock). After graduating high school, Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served as a Power Supply Equipment Operator until he was transferred to Westover AFB in Massachusetts in 1958, where he served until being honorably discharged in August of 1962.

After his discharge from USAF, Bob returned home to Knoxville, Tennessee, to begin the next phase of his life. Bob spent several years working at Rohm and Haas making industrial glass for military applications until he was accepted into the Instrument Technician training program for the Department of Energy. Here he began his lifelong career as an Instrument Technician and spent the next 30 years working at Oak Ridge National Laboratory until his retirement in 2000. Bob also served as the union steward for all Instrument Technicians at ORNL for many years. He was a proud member of the IBEW and truly loved his work.

Bob was also involved with philanthropy and service in the community through his membership of Bright Hope Lodge #557 F.&A.M. in Fountain City. Here he attainted the standing of Master Mason and went on to become a 32nd Degree Member of the Knoxville Scottish Rite. Bob later joined Kerbela Temple as a Shriner and served in multiple roles. His most cherished responsibilities as a Shriner were acting as Paper Sale Chairman to raise money for the Shriners Hospitals for Children and being a van driver, taking children and families to and from appointments at the Cincinnati and Lexington Hospitals.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents H. Clayton and Fay Hopson, Uncles Robert and John Hopson, and Aunt Ruth Griffin. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mona Hopson, Daughter Janet Franklin (Walter), Grandchildren Michael Franklin (Amanda) and Ashley Collins (Eddie), Great-Grandchildren Ava Carter and Addison Collins, and the many friends and colleagues Bob made throughout his life.

Bob will be truly missed by all those who loved him. He was genuinely the kindest friend, the most devoted husband, and most loving father and grandfather. One of the best of us has gone, and we can only look to his life as an example of how to live our own. Faith, love, and humility guided Bob through his time on this Earth, and this is why he will never be forgotten by any who knew him.

There will be a Receiving of Friends at Mynatt Funeral Home in Fountain City on Thursday August 31st, 2023, from 5 P.M. until 7 P.M. There will be a graveside service followed by his burial Friday September 1st at Woodhaven Cemetery at 11 A.M. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children or the charity of your choice. Bob's family gives sincere thanks to the caregivers at Sacred Ground Hospice House for the gift of their comfort and kindness.