Wyland Wayne Hopkins

Colonel Wyland Wayne Hopkins of Hazel Green, Alabama passed away peacefully on Tuesday at home. He lived to be 80 years old, was a devoted Christian, and a member of Crosspointe Church in Madison.

Colonel Hopkins served his country for 22 years in the United States Army which included two tours of duty in Vietnam. He received the nation's third-highest award for valor - The Silver Star for gallantry in action; three Bronze Stars for heroism in ground combat; three Purple Hearts for wounds received in action; and many other medals. After retiring from his last assignment in the Strategic Defense Command of the U.S. Army, he was employed by SAIC for another 20 years in the Army’s equipment reuse support program.

He was preceded in death by his first wife of 45 years, Gloria Jean Hopkins; his second wife of 11 years, Adelia Ann Hopkins; and his parents, Wayne & Winifred Hopkins.

Surviving family members include his son, Michael Hopkins; his daughter and son-in-law, Shannon & Jason Satterfield; his son and daughter-in-law, Sean & Nicole Hopkins; his grandchildren: Lindsey (Eric) Hyslop, Hilliary Hopkins, Tyler Hopkins, Kayla (Zach) Swanson, Samuel (Tess) Satterfield, Seth Satterfield (fiance, Neftali Lopez), Sierra (Eythan) Carter,  Ethan Hopkins, Sarah Satterfield (fiance, Nicholas Medawar); his great-grandchildren: Ava Jean, Luke, and Liam; his step-daughters: Ginger (Paul) Cheatwood and Tina (Richard) Leathers; his beloved sister, Terry Hopkins; his three brothers: Melvin Hopkins, Roger Hopkins, and Adam Hopkins.

In addition to his intense love and dedication to serving his country, he also cherished his role as PaPaw, perfect pancake-maker, master-storyteller, provider and protector for those he loved.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 10am until 12pm at Hazel Green Funeral Home.   Funeral services with full military honors will follow at Noon at the funeral home. Burial will be in Bevills Cemetery following the chapel service.

Hazel Green Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.