Richard Douglas Hopper

Richard Douglas Hopper went home to be with the Lord, Tuesday December 10, 2024 at the age of 87. Born March 10, 1937, he was the son of the late Elbert and Fay Thomas Hopper, and the husband of Margaret “Maggie” Smull Hopper.

Richard was born in Spartanburg, SC and grew up in the Ben Avon / Glendale communities.  After graduating from Spartanburg High School, he received his Bachelor’s Degree from Wofford College in 1959 and attended Candler School of Theology at Emory University.  He was ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church in 1964 and served churches throughout the South Carolina Methodist Conference.  In the mid-1970’s Richard served as Camp Director of YMCA Camp Skyuka.  While living in Marion County he was counselor with the SC Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

Richard was active in Emmaus Communities, especially Foothills, serving frequently as Spiritual Director.  Other community interests included Habitat for Humanity and Salkehatchie Summer Service Projects. 

Richard enjoyed woodworking and building.  He was truly a skilled craftsman with wood.

In 2007 Richard and his wife retired to Spartanburg, approximately one mile from his birthplace.

In addition to his wife Maggie, Richard is survived by daughters Dawn Hopper, Lisa Hopper, Marcia Hopper Woods and her husband Chuck; granddaughters Charlotte Woods and her husband Justin Lowry, and Riley DeMartini and her husband Noah; a great granddaughter Wrenley Fay DeMartini; step-daughters Lara Warburton and her husband Doug, and Elizabeth Smith; step-granddaughters Stephanie Wade and her husband Nathan Cooper, and Natalie Wade; and a step-great granddaughter Norah Quinn Cooper.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by a twin brother Robert Hopper; a sister Susan Hopper Love; and his first wife Dixie Harrelson Hopper.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 2 P.M. at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 400 Dupre Drive, Spartanburg, SC.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.