Arlis Randal Hopper, age 78, of Russell Springs, passed away in his home on Sunday, January 15, 2023.
He was born on April 16, 1944, in the Salem community, and is the son of the late Claude and Faye Hopper.
Randal had a heart of gold and never met a stranger. He attended Square Oak Separate Baptist Church for over 20 years. He is a former Magistrate of the 3rd District in Russell County and Owner of Hoppers Backhoe Service, where he continued to work until a few months before his passing. He was an avid fisherman and loved to garden and share his crops with his family and friends. He loved to tell stories, watch FOX News, talk politics, and was the Kentucky Wildcats biggest fan. Most of all, he loved his family and the Lord.
He is survived by his loving wife, Vela Hopper of Russell Springs; his children, Scott Hopper, Joey (Mildred) Hopper, and Rhonda (Johnny) Thomas of Russell Springs; his grandchildren, Sasha (Philip) Kyburz of Wolcott, Indiana, Steven Popplewell of Louisville, Kentucky, and Chloe Thomas of Orlando, Florida; his brothers, Lowell (Jo) Hopper of Russell Springs, Lloyd (Betty) Hopper of Bethel, Ohio, and Philip Hopper of Russell Springs; his sisters, Nila (Albert) Lothery of Peking, Indiana, Lyda Foster of Clarksville, Indiana, and Tina Haydon of Clarksville, Indiana. He is also survived by his three stepchildren and a host of great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, C.O. Hopper, J.M. Hopper and his late wife, Wanda; his sister Bonnie Plante and her late husband, Frenchie; and his brother-in-law, Timmie Foster.
Funeral services are 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at Bernard Funeral Home, with Bro. Bobby Conner and Bro. Lloyd Hopper officiating. Burial will follow in Salem Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at Bernard Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Dean Roy, Richie Wilson, Gary Kinnett, Matthew Tucker, Doug Polston, and David Whittle.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Lake Cumberland, 100 Parkway Drive, Somerset, KY 42503.
Funeral arrangements for Mr. Randal Hopper are entrusted to Bernard Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.bernardfuneralhome.com.