Jerry Wayne Hopkins

Jerry Wayne Hopkins, former NFL linebacker, Texas A&M standout, and Texas High School Football Hall of Fame inductee, passed away at the age of eighty-five. He was born on January 24, 1941, in Chalk Bluff, Texas, to Roy and Vada Ethel (Garrett) Hopkins, Jerry was raised in Mart, Texas, where his family operated the Hopkins Oil Company and farmed. A multi-sport standout at Mart High School, Jerry earned fourteen varsity letters, led his football team as captain, earned All-State honors twice, and was inducted into the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame in 2003.

Jerry attended Texas A&M on a full-ride football scholarship, where he earned a degree in Business Administration. As a co-captain, center, and linebacker for the Aggies, he played defense alongside future NFL star Lee Roy Caffey, he earned First-Team AII-SWC honors in 1962 and represented the team in several national college all-star games - including the Blue-Gray Game, starting as the South's center in the Southwest Challenge Bow, and representing the West in the All-American Classic. Jerry was drafted into the American Football League in 1963, Jerry went on to play six seasons in professional football with the Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, and Oakland Raiders. Known for his toughness and versatile play across the defense, his standout 1964 season with Denver included a team-leading eight sacks. While with the Raiders in 1968, he played in the famous "Heidi" game against the New York Jets and capped his career during Oakland's playoff run that season. Beyond his football career, Jerry owned and operated Hopkins Oil Company for many years.

Jerry married Joan Brooks Hopkins in 1973. Together, they shared a long and happy life, enjoying many vacations, their favorites being cruising and attending NFL functions, making their home near a golf course in Waco for many years, before moving to Dallas in 2021 to be near family. An avid golfer throughout his life, Jerry competed in many tournaments and loved spending time on the links during his retirement. They also enjoyed attending NFL functions where they spent wonderful time with their many dear NFL friends. Above all, Jerry was the ultimate life of the party who never met a stranger. He loved telling jokes, filling every room with laughter, and making instant friends, by the end of every cruise he and Joan took, virtually everyone on the ship knew who Jerry was.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Joan Brooks Hopkins; his son, Jerry Hopkins, Jr. (Ali); his daughter, Allison Hopkins; his granddaughter, Parker Hopkins; his sister, Judy Baker (Buddy); as well as many extended family members, football colleagues, and golfing buddies, who will carry his memory in their hearts. He is survived by special friends, Mickey Hinson, Wayne Hinson, and Elvin (Bub) Lehrman. He is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Vada Hopkins, and his brother, Donald Hopkins.

The family extends a huge thank you to the caregivers at The Grove Assisted Living and to the nurses at Lyfted Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

Jerry was a member of First Baptist Church in Waco, Texas, was active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletics, and is remembered by family, friends, and teammates for his warm, unforgettable personality, strong work ethic, deep faith, and devotion to his family and Texas roots.

Services will be held at Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors in Hillsboro, Texas, on Monday, August 3rd, at 1:00 PM. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Garden of Memories. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.