Roll Call Tribute

Thomas Scott "Tommy" Hopkins 

October 15, 1955 - July 23, 2024 

Thomas Hopkins, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend passed away July 23rd, 2024 in San Antonio, TX, at the age of 68. His death was preceded by a long, valiant battle with cancer. Having rung the end-of-cancer treatment bell in April 2023, he and his loved ones were excited to begin a new chapter in his life with him.

Born to Robert Sanford Hopkins and Anna Jane Hopkins in Edinburg, TX on October 15th, 1955, Tommy spent his childhood enjoying the outdoors. Many days were spent playing in the citrus orchards with his brothers and neighbors, riding his bike (and later motorcycles) down dusty country roads, or camping with his neighborhood buddies. He graduated Edinburg High School in 1974, along with the love of his life, Joyce Leidner. Their romance began soon after graduation, the two were married August 14th, 1976, and the love story continued for almost 48 years.

Tommy worked as a roughneck in the oilfields of south Texas for a few years. Realizing his career was not conducive towards starting a family, he began night classes at Pan American University. He continued his studies in Petroleum Engineering at Texas A&M University in College Station. While in school, Tom and Joyce adopted their first son, Michael. Upon graduation from A&M in 1985, Tom began working for Sun Oil Company in Abilene, TX. Three years later, they adopted Matthew, their second son. The oil industry found the young family moving to many locations, including Midland, TX, Edmond, OK, and Goliad, TX. After their son, Michael sustained a life-changing accident in 2001, the family faced another move in 2006 to San Antonio, TX, to be closer to doctors and facilities to help with Michael's recovery. It was here that Tom found a position with NuStar. In 2012, he retired from NuStar and began the next chapter in his life.

Family always came first in Tommy's life and he often sought and planned quality time with them. He and Joyce traveled as much as they could. Proud to be a grandfather, Tommy often planned outings with his two grandsons, whether it was camping, hiking, enjoying water sports, or watching his favorite TV shows.

He will be remembered for his love of family, his integrity, his hard work, sense of humor and frugality. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do to help his family or friends.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 48 years, Joyce, his sons, Michael Hopkins of San Antonio, TX and Matthew (Teresa) Hopkins of The Colony, TX, and his beloved grandsons, Christian and Hunter. He is also survived by his two brothers Richard (Paula) Hopkins and Steven (JoAnn) Hopkins. Tommy's circle of love extended to numerous brother and sister-in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends, all of whom will cherish the fun times and laughs they have shared with him.

A Memorial of Life for Tommy will be held at St. Anthony Mary Claret Catholic Church located at 6150 Roft Rd. San Antonio, TX 78253, Wednesday, July 31st, 2024. A rosary will be held at 11:30 am, followed by the service at 12 pm, with a reception to follow in the Parish Hall. Food and drinks will be available.

Since Tom will be cremated, in lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to St. Anthony Mary Claret Catholic Church or the American Cancer Society.

Thomas Hopkins was a great man who will be deeply missed. However, his spirit, laughter, and legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. May he rest now in eternal peace.