Dr. George C. Hopkins, a native of St. Augustine and the city’s first pediatrician, passed away on February 12, 2018 at the age of 97. Born February 3, 1921, Dr. Hopkins dedicated his life to serving his community and his country. Family and friends – who knew him as “Doc” or “Hoppe” – take solace in fond memories of his passion for life, unwavering faith, and deep love of the beaches and ocean he called home.
After graduating from The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina, Dr. Hopkins earned his MD from Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Following his internship, Dr. Hopkins served his country during World War II as a Captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan where he would meet Anna Beall, his bride of 52 years. After the war, they moved to North Carolina, where Dr. Hopkins completed his pediatric residency at Duke University.
Dr. Hopkins established his practice in St. Augustine in 1951. For 23 years, he was the only pediatrician in St. Augustine and the surrounding counties. He devoted his career to the children and families of the St. Augustine area, often providing care for little or no charge to those in need. He established Flagler Hospital’s first newborn nursery and served as Medical Director for St. Johns and Flagler counties for many years. He was an active member and leader of numerous local and national medical organizations, serving as the pediatric consultant for the state of Florida for 10 years. Dr. Hopkins was especially proud to serve for 20 years as the physician for the Florida State School for the Deaf and Blind.
In addition to being a highly respected physician, Dr. Hopkins served his community outside of the hospital as a Director at Security First Federal Savings & Loan Association for 37 years, a board member for the St. Johns County School Board, the YMCA, and numerous other charitable and civic organizations. He was once recognized as “Outstanding Young Man of St. Johns County.”
His many friends, patients, and family members knew Doc/Hoppe to be a man of his word, a loyal friend, a true gentleman, a world traveler, full of riddles and lessons for his grandchildren, and the life of every party. His passion for the natural world was infectious, and he lived by the ocean nearly all the days of his life. He had a strong and unwavering Christian faith and belonged to Ancient City Baptist Church his entire life, where he served as a member, teacher, Deacon and on the Board of Trustees.
Dr. Hopkins is preceded in death by his wife, Ann. He is survived by his four children – Forrest Sturm (Art) of Chicago; Gail Schinka (John) of Tampa; G. Timothy Hopkins (Susie) of Orange Park, and Thomas C. Hopkins (Robin) of Jacksonville – his seven grandchildren – Christy Harowski, Katie Leventhal, John Schinka, Rachel Hopkins, Christopher Sturm, Laura Lee Sturm, and Aynslee Hopkins – and his three great-grandchildren – Henry, Couper and Benjamin Harowksi.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Leonora Stoddard and is survived her children, Beverly Koch (Mike) of Ponte Vedra, Douglas Lee Courtland of Durham NC, and Dan Stoddard of Kennebunk, Maine. Many other special nieces and nephews will also mourn his passing.
A “Celebration of Life” will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Ancient City Baptist Church, St. Augustine, FL. Details to follow.
Craig Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements
Posted in: Florida Times-Union
Posted on: 2018-02-19
Link to original obituary: https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/timesunion/obituary.aspx?n=george-hopkins&pid=188216618