George Hopper Obituary

George E. Hopper, Jr.
1936-2018
George Edward Hopper, Jr. of Montgomery passed away on June 4, 2018 in The Woodlands. He is survived by his wife Pam, sister Paula, brother Larry, children David, Daniel, Tiffany, Mark and Amy, and eleven grandchildren.
Born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, George earned his Associate of Arts degree from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Junior College in 1957. He served our country with the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1960 in the 25th Infantry Division. In 1962 he earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Pittsburg State University in Kansas. He later earned his Mid-Management educational certificate and Master's degree in Physical Education from the University of Houston.
Beginning as a middle school teacher and athletics coach in Texas City in 1962, George gave 42 years of service to public education, serving at several school districts before settling in the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District in 1972. In the Cy-Fair ISD, George served as a teacher, coach, assistant and associate principal at Jersey Village High School before opening Campbell Middle School, Langham Creek High School, and Cypress-Falls High School as principal. Under George's leadership, Langham Creek High School was recognized as a U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon School in 1990, the first high school in the district to receive such a distinction. He went on to serve as Athletic Director before retiring in 2004. In 2007, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD honored George's commitment to public education by creating and dedicating the George E. Hopper, Jr. Middle School in Cypress. In 2014, George was further honored as one of the 75 most influential people in the history of the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District.
Upon retirement, George and Pam moved to Smith Point in Chambers County, where they became active members of the coastal community. They enjoyed time with friends new and old, and traveling across the American South, Alaska, Europe, the Caribbean, and to Mérida, Mexico where they maintained a home. George's beloved 'first mate' Pam was a true companion, particularly skilled at disentangling birdnests from his backlashed casts, and scanning the horizon for reefs and good fishing holes. As their family grew George and Pam returned to the Houston area, settling in the Bonterra community in Montgomery, where George continued his dedication to his children and grandchildren, offering loving support and gentle guidance to the former, and abundant affection to the latter.
George lives on in the hearts of the many he touched. With quiet perception, George seemed to know precisely what to say to and how to say it. Whether to celebrate a success, assist with a challenge, or motivate and inspire, George could reach students, colleagues, friends and family in ways that few could.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made towards the purchase of library books for students of the George E. Hopper, Jr. Middle School: Hopper Middle School Library, 7811 Fry Road, Cypress, Texas 77433.

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Published by Houston Chronicle on Jun. 10, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for George Hopper

10 Entries

Chalice Ellis Marcano

December 4, 2024

I was looking for someone else, and found this. I have very fond memories of Mr Hopper. He would stand in the cafeteria at Langham Creek every morning and every afternoon and greet over 2500 students by name each day. I was relatively quiet at school, but he knew my name. I´ll always admire his leadership.

Ron Smith

April 7, 2021

Coach Hopper was my football coach in 1962 and 1963 at Blocker Jr. High in Texas City, when I was in the 8th and 9th grade.
An incident that cemented my memory of him happened in 1963. One day in school (9th grade) I was in his Health class. It was raining outside, so he had the students remain inside and study. We were in the school auditorium. At about 20 minutes before the bell rang, Coach Hopper slowly walked to the PA microphone and calmly announced to us that President Kennedy had been shot in Dallas, and that was all the information he had at that moment. Subsequently, the bell rang, and everyone went to their next class. About 15 minutes into the next class, the school Principal, Mr. Lucas, made the formal announcement that President Kennedy had, indeed, died.
As everyone always remembered where they were when they received news of the assassination...this has always been mine. Thus, over the years, I would tell my story, and Coach Hopper's name would be front and center in my memory. I always wondered how that "young coach" remembered that day, when he felt obligated to announce to his students the shocking news. The next year, I was in 10th grade, and Coach Hopper had taken a job with another school district in East Texas.
Now, fast forward to 2004..... I was reading the sports section of my Houston Chronicle, and saw a very small notice that a "George Hopper" was announcing his retirement from CFISD. He had been the Athletic Director for a number of years. I did the math, and decided that it would be possible that it was the same George Hopper. I decided that when I got to the office, I was going to make a phone call to the Athletic dept. of CFair. I knew it would be either a total failure or total success. Suffice it to say, I talked with Coach Hopper for about 45 minutes. It was a great, friendly conversation. In my mind, the "Hopper" connection had come full circle.
This has been a long writing for a very small point, but it is so wonderful to see how a person of early influence over a 14 yr. old in school...had indeed turned out just as I would have predicted his life would have. He could not have been more gracious and receptive during our brief talk.
I just this morning stumbled onto the news of his passing, which inspired me to post this. Belatedly, I offer my sincere condolences to his family. I'm sure there are many, many youngsters and colleagues who have similar fond memories of Coach Hopper.

Ron Smith
Kingwood, Tx.

Erika Kim Perez

January 13, 2021

I was a student at Campbell for 3 years until May 1980 while he was the principal. I am just now learning of Mr. Hopper's passing, and I am sad to not have been able to see him all these years to thank him for being an awesome influence at our school. I remember him to be a friendly, pleasant and inclusive person -- which was very important to me as a kid. He exuded confidence and kindness -- very reassuring, which helped my junior high environment to be one of the happiest times growing up. Thank you for that, Mr. Hopper, and may you rest in eternal peace. I pray for your spirit and for your family's comfort and courage to go forward. Peace be with you.

Kathy Thoede

June 14, 2018

George Hopper was such a personable, engaging and just plain wonderful man.
He is missed.
Prayers of support for his family as they each face this stressful time.

Dana McCollester

June 11, 2018

So sorry for your loss.
Thoughts are with you,Mark,Barbara and boys.

Robin Cerny

June 10, 2018

Pam and family - Your sweet George was an inspiration to so many students, teachers and parents. It was a gift to have been able to teach under his leadership at Langham Creek. Blessings and comfort to each of you as you send him to his heavenly home. Robin Cerny and the Bailadoras from 1984-1990.

Cassie Neitzey

June 10, 2018

He was the principal that opened Campbell Middle School when I was an 8th grader in 1978-79. Our colors were green and white, and he got a forest green suit that he wore for open house. The students and parents loved him. This year I completed my 31st year as an educator in Cy-Fair ISD.
LaLarnie Cassie Madden Neitzey

Terry n Bonnie Brewster

June 10, 2018

Remembering the good ole days 1971. Our first coaching job! Red and Black Anson Tigers. Was just the beginning and George Hopper was our first head coach. We will always remember you boys and we pray for peace and comfort for all of your family. In Christ. Coach and Bonnie Btewster.

Dianne and Jim Meyer

June 10, 2018

May he rest in peace.

Margaret Braden

June 10, 2018

Pam & Family,
After reading George's obituary I see what a wonderful and productive life he lived and how he was loved by so many. The many friends Ya'll have made here in Bonterra will miss George. Pam, you and your family are in my prayers.
Margaret Braden

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