Ronald Wayne Hopkins, 79, of Gulfport, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

Born on April 7, 1947, in Queens, New York, to Richard and Paula Hopkins, Ron grew up in Greene, New York. He graduated from Greene High School, where he played football as an ironman, competing on both offense and defense. After high school, he attended Purdue University until his education was interrupted when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He proudly served his country in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1969.

Upon returning home, Ron moved to Binghamton, NY, and began working at a local jewelry store. He became a Certified Gemologist and made it his lifelong career. He took great pride in helping clients choose meaningful gifts for engagements, milestones, and special occasions. After retiring from the jewelry store, Ron moved to Gulfport, MS, along with several other friends from the Binghamton area. His second career was working in the jewelry department of the Naval Exchange. He really enjoyed his time there and all the conversations he had with Armed Forces members and staff.

Ron was a devoted and supportive father who always made time for his children’s passions, especially soccer. He could be counted on to be in the stands cheering them on. He also loved fishing and spent many hours at local fishing holes with his family and friends. Another passion was target shooting. He spent long mornings and afternoons at the Binghamton Sportsman’s Club and at his friend’s shooting range in Gulfport.

Ron was a very involved member of The Organization of Vietnam Veterans and the Vietnam Veterans of America.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Paula Hopkins. He is survived by his son Matthew, Matthew’s wife Kristen, and their children, granddaughters Lois and Tedder; his daughter Hilary and her family; his sister Nancy, her husband Chuck, their children John and Pam, and their families; and his dear friends, the Bynes, the Careys, and the Keechs.

A graveside service will be held at Biloxi National Cemetery on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Stop Soldier Suicide.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is honored to serve the Hopkins family.