Allan Hoppe

Howard Allan Hoppe CHARLOTTE - Howard Allan Hoppe passed away at the Harris Hospice unit of Presbyterian Hospital on May 19, 2012. Born in Orlando, Florida on April 18, 1932 to Adolph and Marie Hoppe, he moved with his family to Charlotte at the age of two and considered himself a native. Growing up in the Dilworth neighborhood, he attended Charlotte public schools, graduating from old Central High School (Class of 1950). Allan earned a B.S. degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's School of Business and was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. While in Chapel Hill, Allan took flying lessons and after graduation he entered flight school as a naval cadet in Pensacola, Florida. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Naval Aviator from 1954 to 1957. Allan was stationed at the Marine Corps Air Station located in Iwakuni, Japan. He flew the AD SkyRaider with VMA Squadron 121. After discharge, Allan returned to Charlotte and began his career in the food brokerage industry, later becoming the district manager for Savannah Foods, dealing primarily in commercial sweeteners. He was the past president of the North Carolina Soft Drink Boosters Association. An avid golfer, he spent his early years at the old Sharon Golf Club and was later a long-time member of Carmel Country Club, where he served on both the golf committee and the Board of Directors. He also loved flying, sailing, baking, pulling for the Atlanta Braves, and spending time with his four grandchildren. He was a member of Sharon United Methodist Church. Allan was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Robert Hoppe. He is survived by his wife, Vee, and sons Allan (Robyn) and Jeff (Caroline), of Charlotte, and Glenn (Denise) of Greensboro, and his grandchildren, William, Allyson, Jonathon and Norah Hoppe. Also, sister and brother-in-law Dorothy and Dick Dickson. A memorial service will be held at Sharon United Methodist Church at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23. The services follow a private graveside service with military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sharon United Methodist Church, the Alzheimer's Association or Presbyterian Hospice. Arrangements are in the care of Forest Lawn West Funeral & Cremation Service. On-line condolences may be placed at www.forestlawnwest.com.