Ellis Kent Hopkins, 83, of Coeburn, VA passed away March 10, 2024 at Bristol Regional Medical Center after a brief illness. He was born May 17, 1940 in Wise, VA. He was a son of the late W.R. and Mallie Tackett Hopkins.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by two brothers, Robert L. Hopkins and James W. Hopkins.

He is survived by two sisters, Gloria Bryan of Rockledge, Florida and Delores (Tony) Paragon of Proctorville, Ohio; Three children, Margie (Robert) Wells of Church Hill, TN, Jeff Martin of Pound, VA and Elisa (Joey) Roberts of Lewisburg, TN;  Also surviving are several nieces, nephews and his companion of several years, Barbara Manning.

Ellis was retired from the Virginia Department of Rehabilitation Services where he was a rehabilitation counselor of many years. He was also a teacher and taught at Pound High School, J.J. Kelly High School and Castlewood High School before changing careers. He was an Army Veteran and proudly served his country from 1958 to 1962.

He attended Clinch Valley College, the University of Virginia and ultimately received his Bachelor's Degree and was awarded his Master's Degree in history from Morehead State University. Ellis loved American history and his knowledge of the subject was exceptional.

Coming from an apple growing family, he grew apples from 1971 to 1988 that were sold at the Applehouse on Indian Creek in Pound, Virginia. He loved growing all fruits and vegetables and his gardens were usually bountiful. He would share his garden bounty with many family members, friends and neighbors. For many years, Ellis excelled in square dancing and travelled quite extensively to participate. He was also an avid "Cruiser". He enjoyed 27 cruises during his lifetime. He passionately loved animals, especially dogs. He rescued many dogs that were abandoned near his property. He firmly believed in spaying and neutering all pets and abhorred anyone that discarded their pets by leaving them near a roadside.

He will be missed by not only his family, but by friends and neighbors in the community.  Even the funeral directors here at Estes Funeral Home enjoyed his frequent visits.

A Celebration of Life Service to honor Ellis will be held Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Estes Funeral Home in Coeburn, VA from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Everyone who would like to share stories about Ellis is welcome.

A Military Rite Honors Service will be Monday, March 25, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Mountain Home National Cemetery in Johnson City, TN for his final resting place.

Online condolences may be sent at www.estesfuneralhome.com

Estes Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ellis Hopkins.