Hopkins III, John Ellsworth

John Ellsworth Hopkins, III, 63 of Narrows passed away Friday, October 12th, 2012 at Carilion Giles Community Hospital in Pearisburg. He was born in Narrows on December 10th, 1948 and was the son of the late John Ellsworth Hopkins, Jr. and Lora Esther Chambers. In addition to his mother and father, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Nancy Hopkins McDaniel and Rebecca Lester; and two brothers-in-law, Bernie Irvin and Tommy McDaniel. John was a police officer for 23 years, 13 as Sheriff of Giles County, and 2 years in the United States Army with the 7th Army Artillery in Europe. A 1967 graduate of Narrows High School, John attended Wytheville Community College, Virginia Western Community College, and was a graduate of the New River Valley Police Academy. He was also a little league baseball coach, and helped coach wrestling during the mid 1990s at Narrows High School. Left to cherish his memory are two sons, John E. Hopkins, IV and Adam B. Hopkins; one grandson, Blaze Hopkins; three sisters, Peggy Irvin, Mary Brown and husband Jim, and Sandy Evans; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many special friends. Funeral services will be held Monday, October 15th, 2012 at 11 AM in the Chapel of Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows with Rev. Doug Hyndrich officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery with graveside rites conducted by VFW Post #6000 of Narrows, American Legion Posts #68 of Narrows, Post #311 of Pembroke, and #145 of Peterstown. The family will receive friends at Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows Sunday from 6 to 8 PM The family is being served by Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows, (540) 726-2442, and online at riffefuneralservice.com.