Charles Carter Hopkins

Charles Carter Hopkins "Carter" died on April 24, 2025 at UVA Hospital. He was born on November 24, 1956, in Roanoke, Va, to William B. Hopkins and Virginia George Hopkins. Carter graduated from Patrick Henry High School in 1975 and earned a degree in electrical engineering from Virginia Tech in 1979.

After college, he joined his uncle and aunt, Henry and Carolyn Hopkins, in dairy farming in Franklin County, where he worked for nearly 40 years. Even after ending dairy operations, Carter continued farming until his death. He loved the challenges and variety of farm life, as well as working outdoors.

Carter served several terms on the Blue Ridge Soil and Water Conservation District Board, advocating for strong support of conservation efforts. While serving on the Board he successfully advocated for continued funding of Soil and Water Conservation Agents across the Commonwealth of Virginia. He is also remembered for his swift action in preventing contamination of Rocky Mount’s water supply following a manure pit failure on the farm. Much to his amusement, his quick thinking earned him an article in USA Today.

Carter had a lifelong love of animals, often bringing home stray dogs that followed him on his paper route. Later in life, the Hopkins farm became a haven for rescued animals and was also home to peacocks and guinea hens. A devoted Virginia Tech sports fan, Carter especially followed Hokie football and women’s softball. Carter’s farm duties allowed him to attend Tech football games on rare occasions. He eventually stopped going to games, believing he was bad luck after only witnessing losses. A close second to his Hokie loyalty was his love for the Tennessee Volunteers, a bond formed through years of attending games with his father and brother.

Carter is survived by three sisters and a brother: Dabney Hopkins (David Tucker) of Durham, NC; Sarah Hopkins Finley (Don Finley) of Richmond, Va; William B. “Bill” Hopkins, Jr. (Ann Carder Hopkins) of Roanoke, Va; and Marshall Hopkins Martin (Jeff Martin) of Richmond, Va. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Virginia Tech (www.give.vt.edu) or the Franklin County Humane Society (www.plannedpethoodrockymount.com).

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025 starting at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 15 East Church Street, Rocky Mount, Virginia 25151. The family will host a reception following the service in the Parish Hall of the Church.

Arrangements by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home & Crematory, 62 VA Market Place Drive, Rocky Mount, VA 24151.