Pampaw

On February 18, 2008, Lawson's grandfather, Bristow S. Hopper, Sr., went to be with the Lord. He was 92 years old. He was a wonderful man who loved his family, his country and most of all, his Heavenly Father. He was married to his wife, Dooley Hopper, Mamaw, for 67 years. They got married when Mamaw was 16 and Pampaw was 24. He went to the University of Florida and was a part of the ROTC and majored in math. This explains the fervor for which Lawson (my father-in-law) and Lawson (my husband) cheer for Florida. He served in the Army during WWII and was a Lt. Colonel when he retired from the army to take care of his mom. He then taught math at various schools in Belleview, Florida. Lawson has such fond memories of his Pampaw. One time, when Lawson was playing basketball in high school, his name was in the paper after a game, and Pampaw brought the newspaper to him. He was so proud of Lawson. I met Pampaw in March, 1999. I remember a man who always enjoyed sitting in his recliner watching the TV show, JAG. We would gather around the piano in his and Mamaw's parlor to sing hymns, (he had a beautiful singing voice) and he would finish the concert with "God Bless America". We were able to take Baby Lawson to meet him in September 2006. Pampaw dedicated "God Bless America" to Baby Lawson, but changed the words to "God Bless My Darling Boy." It was wonderful.

The funeral was held on Friday, February 22nd, where Pampaw was buried with full military honors because of his time served in the Army. It was beautiful. There was an American Flag draped over his coffin, which the soldiers at the funeral folded and presented to Mamaw. The soldiers also gave Pampaw at Twenty-One Gun Salute and Taps was played. This was the graveside service. The service that was held at the church was full of friends and family and loved ones. The pastor of the Methodist church that Pampaw helped build did a wonderful job. The services were befitting a man who was wonderful in all that he did. He had five children, seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, one great-grandchild that was born the day after Pampaw passed away, and a great-great grandchild. Pampaw will be missed, but we know he is with his Heavenly Father, singing in Heaven's choir. We miss you and love you, Pampaw, and will see you later!


Lawson and Pampaw in September, 2006




Lawson, Baby Lawson and Pampaw



Pampaw singing to Baby Lawson



Baby Lawson sitting in Pampaw's chair



Lawson and Pampaw in July 2006




Pampaw's old truck



Pampaw would walk every day, up and down his driveway every morning. He would also eat a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast as well. This worked for him for 92 years. Pretty awesome!



A picture of Pampaw that hangs in their house