Sergeant Kenneth L. Hopkins

Raleigh, NC
Retired Sergeant Kenneth Leon Hopkins, 55, of Raleigh, North Carolina transitioned on March 1, 2024.
Kenneth (Ken) Leon Hopkins, affectionately known as "Hop," genuinely loved and encouraged everyone. Ken was a beacon of positivity and encouragement, touching the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He never met a stranger; he could talk to anyone for hours on end. His infectious personality and welcoming smile were inclusive gateways to imparting wisdom, morality, hope, strength, and laughter into anyone he had the pleasure of meeting. He made everyone feel welcomed and valued.
Ken is the beloved son of the late Francis and Myrtle Hopkins born on July 4, 1968, in Newark, NJ, from a young age, he dedicated himself to his faith in Jesus Christ and community, serving as a Junior Deacon at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey. He graduated from Malcolm X Shabazz High School in Essex County. Ken received his Associates of Science Degree from Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Ken's commitment to service continued as he joined the United States Marine Corps. At the age of 18, he started his life of public service with the United States Marine Corps. The Marine Corps was a life-changing experience which instilled a strong sense of brotherhood and pride. Ken followed in his father's footsteps and became a 2nd Generation Marine. His father Francis Hopkins trained in segregated facilities between 1942 and 1949 at Montford Point, NC. Ken was instrumental in getting his father's Congressional Gold Medal in August 2023, for his service as a Montford Point Marine. Ken was very proud of this accomplishment as he worked tirelessly for his father to receive the recognition he deserved. Ken's dedication to the Corps was un-matched. One of his favorite phrases was "Once a Marine Always a Marine". He was a "Marine through and through".
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Ken continued his career in public service and pursued a career in law enforcement, first with the Wilmington Police Department and later with the Raleigh Police Department, where he retired after 22 years of service. Known for his passion for community outreach, he recently returned as a youth mentor with Raleigh Police Department. After retirement, Ken embarked on another journey that led him to a career at Horizon Forest Products in Raleigh, NC, which enabled him to explore his passion for the wood flooring industry.
Ken was known as a selfless individual, fearless leader (firm but kind), he had an extraordinary work ethic, straight-shooter, and a genuine human being. There was nothing that Ken would not do for anyone. When he saw something that needed to be done, he just did it, no questions asked. Ken got great joy in helping the elderly. He would do yard work, home improvements, and even take them out for a bite to eat. Ken was that "Guy".
Ken's undeniable love for his wife Gwen "Nikki" Hopkins of 26 years and his children Kenneth (KJ) Hopkins (Brazil) and Kennedy (Nuppie) Hopkins transcends this earthly realm. He was their protector, provider, rock, counselor, adventurer, and amazing chef. He imparted wisdom not only through words but through his actions. He left a blueprint for his family on how to live, serve, and most of all love. They will forever love him and honor his legacy.
Ken's beautiful life will forever be cherished by his siblings: Brother Keith Hopkins of Linden, NJ, Sister Tyeshia Hill (Brother-in-Love, Richard Hill) of Raleigh, NC, Sister Rosilynn Hopkins of Smyrna, Georgia, Brother Leroy Hopkins of Barnegat, NJ, Brother Samuel Hopkins of Atlanta, Georgia. His Mother-in-Love Brenda Freeman of Raleigh, NC, Sister-in-Love Sharee Bowman, Sister-in-Love Wendy Bland (Brother-in-Love John Bland), Brother-in-Love Antwone Webb (Sister-in-Love Cherece Webb); a host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Family Friends, Fellow Marines, Wilmington and Raleigh Police Departments, Horizon Forest Products Family and his Community.
A public viewing will be held from 5:00pm to 7:00 pm on Monday, March 11, 2024 in the chapel of Carlton L. Gray Funeral Home, Raleigh, North Carolina. A final visitation for Sergeant Hopkins will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at World Overcomers Christian Church, 2933 S. Miami Blvd, Suite 101, Durham, NC 27703. Funeral services will follow the visitation beginning at 12:00 pm.
These professional services have been entrusted to H.D. Pope Funeral Home, 325 Nash Street, Rocky Mount, NC.
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SERVICE WILL BE LIVE STREAM