William "Bill" Homer Hopkins

William (Bill) Homer Hopkins, 90, of Commerce, Texas, passed away on November 26, 2023.  He was born on July 5, 1933, in Hobbs, New Mexico to Homer Thomas Hopkins and Jewel Elizabeth Rolls Hopkins.

Bill graduated from Odessa High School in Odessa, Texas in 1952.  Proudly served in the United States Army.  Married Dorothy P. Thompson on September 26, 1958, in Commerce, Texas. Attended Texas A&M University and East Texas State University where he received a B.S. in 1960.

As a science teacher and school administrator he worked at Detroit ISD, Beckville ISD and Carthage ISD while earning his Masters in 1969 from Stephen F. Austin College and his Doctorate in 1979 from East Texas State University.  He worked as Assistant Dean of Continuing Education at ETSU and Dallas Baptist University and later as a Math and Science Consultant at Region VII in Kilgore, Texas, retiring in 1997.  He also served as Chief Microbiologist for Agrinos for 10 years.

Bill was a member of the First Baptist Church of Commerce, Texas, a member of the Carthage Masonic Lodge as a 32nd degree Mason and served as their DeMolay Advisor. He also served as a Shriner and received the York and Scottish Rite.  He was a dual member of the Carthage and Commerce Order of the Eastern Star Chapters and was recognized for his 50 plus years of membership in each Masonic and Eastern Star Chapter.

Bill was preceded in death by his infant twin brother, parents, and infant great grandson.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dorothy; His children, daughters: Beth Talley, husband Mark; Ann Reel, husband Teddy; son, Bill Hopkins, wife Gina.  Grandchildren: Stuart Talley, wife Isabel; Katherine Talley, fiancé, Skylar Helmlinger; Wesley Reel wife, Clarissa; Quinton Reel, wife Rebecca; Rachel Russell, husband Cody; Lizzy Hopkins and Will Hopkins.  Great Grandchildren: Silas Reel and Teddy Russell.

Serving as pallbearers for Bill are Teddy Reel, Mark Talley, Wesley Reel, Quinton Reel, Stuart Talley, and Cody Russell.

In Lieu of flowers, a donation can be sent to the Commerce Public Library, 1210 Park St, Commerce, TX 75428.