Dr. George C. Hopkins, a native of St. Augustine and the city's first pediatrician, passed away on February 12, 2018 at the age of 97. Born February 3, 1921, Dr. Hopkins dedicated his life to serving his community and his country. Family and friends – who knew him as "Doc" or "Hoppe" – take solace in fond memories of his passion for life, unwavering faith, and deep love of the beaches and ocean he called home.
After graduating from The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina, Dr. Hopkins earned his MD from Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Following his internship, Dr. Hopkins served his country during World War II as a Captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan where he would meet Anna Beall, his bride of 52 years. After the war, they moved to North Carolina, where Dr. Hopkins completed his pediatric residency at Duke University.
Dr. Hopkins established his practice in St. Augustine in 1951. For 23 years, he was the only pediatrician in St. Augustine and the surrounding counties. He devoted his career to the children and families of the St. Augustine area, often providing care for little or no charge to those in need. He established Flagler Hospital's first newborn nursery and served as Medical Director for St. Johns and Flagler counties for many years. He was an active member and leader of numerous local and national medical organizations, serving as the pediatric consultant for the state of Florida for 10 years. Dr. Hopkins was especially proud to serve for 20 years as the physician for the Florida State School for the Deaf and Blind.
In addition to being a highly respected physician, Dr. Hopkins served his community outside of the hospital as a Director at Security First Federal Savings & Loan Association for 37 years, a board member for the St. Johns County School Board, the YMCA, and numerous other charitable and civic organizations. He was once recognized as "Outstanding Young Man of St. Johns County."
His many friends, patients, and family members knew Doc/Hoppe to be a man of his word, a loyal friend, a true gentleman, a world traveler, full of riddles and lessons for his grandchildren, and the life of every party. His passion for the natural world was infectious, and he lived by the ocean nearly all the days of his life. He had a strong and unwavering Christian faith and belonged to Ancient City Baptist Church his entire life, where he served as a member, teacher, Deacon and on the Board of Trustees.
Dr. Hopkins is preceded in death by his wife, Ann. He is survived by his four children - Forrest Sturm (Art) of Chicago; Gail Schinka (John) of Tampa; G. Timothy Hopkins (Susie) of Orange Park, and Thomas C. Hopkins (Robin) of Jacksonville - his seven grandchildren – Christy Harowski, Katie Leventhal, John Schinka, Rachel Hopkins, Christopher Sturm, Laura Lee Sturm, and Aynslee Hopkins - and his three great-grandchildren - Henry, Couper and Benjamin Harowksi.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Leonora Stoddard and is survived her children, Beverly Koch (Mike) of Ponte Vedra, Douglas Lee Courtland of Durham NC, and Dan Stoddard of Kennebunk, Maine. Many other special nieces and nephews will also mourn his passing.
A "Celebration of Life" will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Ancient City Baptist Church, St. Augustine, FL. Details to follow.
Craig Funeral Home Crematory Memorial Park is in charge of the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I'm sure Dad and "Uncle George" are holding meaningful conversations and sharing some laughs together ! Of course, with "Aunt Ann" and Mom right there with them ! Miss um....
Mark Davis
Family
February 11, 2020
"Uncle George" truly made his mark in life and was admired by all. He will be remembered and missed. What a great man.
Mark Davis
February 26, 2018
Previous entry ... Typo by daughter :)
Phyllis Reyes Segrest
February 25, 2018
Dr. Hopkins was an outstanding Pediatrician whom we held with high respect. He took great care of our girls. He had a great personality and always made you feel at ease with his easy going manner. He was a blessing to all he met. Our prayers are with the family & friends during this difficult time.
Phyllis Eyes Segrest
February 25, 2018
So sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of your family and our time growing up.
Raya
Raya McArthur
February 25, 2018
I owe my life to Dr. Hopkins. I was very sickly as a child and at times Doctor Hopkins came to the house twice a day during a very bad spell when I was too sick to be moved to the hospital and needed 24 hour watching because my throat would close down. Between him and Genevieve the nurse, I pulled through. Doctor Hopkins was certainly a gift from Heaven.
Sloane Freeman
February 24, 2018
I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Dr. Hopkins as a new RN at the old Flagler Hospital. He was a great person. God rest his soul and may God bless his family during these sad days.
Sally Robinson
February 21, 2018
Dr. Hopkins was not only a great physician, but a wonderful role model. Love and prayers to his family.
Bambi Bradley Johnstone
February 20, 2018
Dr. Hopkins was all of my Children Doctor years ago in St. Augustine Fla. (MAY HE REST IN PEACE)
Julia Phoenix Roberson
February 19, 2018
Thanks for your service
February 19, 2018
He was my favorite pediatrician who knew sign language. He was great man!
John Golden
February 18, 2018
Doc, you taught me so many things, spoke so many kind words, and told the best jokes. It was my pleasure to be your caregiver when things got a little tough for you. I'm so thankful.
You will forever be in my heart.
Condolences to the family.
With love,
Brandi McClain
Brandi Mcclain
February 17, 2018
my beloved Doc
Bethanne Lord
February 17, 2018
To family and friends what a gentleman scholar leader loved by all go rest high on that mountain your work here on earth is done RIP Dr. Hopkins know you are loved
Betsy Kaniaris Feaster
February 17, 2018
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