Jerry Gene Hopkins

SONORA Jerry Gene Hopkins of Roosevelt,Texas, formerly of Sonora, passed away Thursday, April 4, 2013, in Ozona, at the age of 78, with his loving family by his side. He was born on Oct.14, 1934, in Brownwood, Texas, the son of Walter Pelham and Margaret Alice(Damron) Hopkins. Jerry graduated in 1951 from San Saba High School. He attended San Angelo Junior College and Southwest Texas State University where he was a halfback on the Lone Star Conference Chamionship teams of 1954 and 1955. After 5 years as an assistant coach on San Antonio, Lake View and Cameron, he was named head coach at Sonora in 1960. In 11 seasons at Sonora, his teams won eight district titles, three state championships and one state runner-up title. Sonora did not lose a district ballgame from 1965 to 1971. In 1971 he moved to Seguin, where his teams won or shared four district titles in five years. After a two year stint at Midland High, he returned to Sonora to his beloved Broncos. After 12 years back in Sonora he ended his 38 year illustrious coaching career with a record of 229-92-8, which ranks him 32nd on the all time list in Texas. He moved into administration as principle of Sonora for three years before retiring in 1994. Jerry Hopkins had a special impact on those around him. They knew him as much more than just a football coach, they knew him as a leader of men. Hopkins served on the All-Star Selection Committee in 1967, and as a director from region VII from 1971 to 1973. He was elected president of the THSCA in 1973. Jerry coached the North All-Stars in the Astrodome in 1970. Jerry Hopkins is survived by his best friend and wife of 60 years, Jackie Reville Hopkins; daughters Cyndy and husband Mike Markley of Cedar Park and Ronda and husband Jeffrey Stuart of Ozona; son Wade and wife Caroline Hopkins of Grand Prairie; sister Dr. LaRue Miller of Burnet; grandchildren Amanda, Allison and Avery Hopkins, David and wife Lavenda Stuart,Jason Stuart, Summer and husband Wade Kimbriel; and great-grandchildren Justin and Luke Stuart, Kayden and Kydie Kimbriel. He was preceded in death by a very special grandson, Justin Caleb Browne. A celebration of Jerry's life will be held Monday, April 8, 2013, at First Baptist Church with a graveside service at his home in Roosevelt. Arrangements are by Kerbow Funeral Home.