Ellis Lee Hopkins, Jr., 78, passed away February 28, 2023, surrounded by his family.

Lee was born in Elberton, GA, in June of 1944, to Ellis and Jerolyn Hopkins. He was the eldest brother of Tommy and Jimmy Hopkins. The family moved to Washington, GA, where he lived until he joined the United States Marine Corps. He served proudly for more than 20 years, marking his time with two tours in Vietnam. He rose to the rank of Master Sergeant before retiring in 1984.  After retirement, he decided one career wasn't enough so he joined the team at Wackenhut Security Services at the Savannah River Site and drove them all crazy for another 30 plus years.  During that time he met his loving wife, Terisa, and they built a life together in Evans, GA, with their sweet dog, Bonnie. Lee was the father of two girls, Kim and Kristi, and was later blessed to add another daughter to his family, Julie. He was grandfather to four beautiful children, Max, Micah, Luke, and Olivia, who he loved dearly. He liked to cook and would put anything he could find in a pot and call it stew. He loved to fish, play golf, and tell the most outlandish stories.

To his family he was Sweetheart, Daddy, Papa Lee, and "George." To his friends he was LT, Lee, Top, and some other names that we shouldn't put in print. Even if you were not in his circle you never had to ask his opinion because he had shared it already.  But there was one thing we all knew — he loved every one of us with all his might.

Semper Fi.

Lee is survived by his wife, Terisa of Evans, GA; his three daughters, Kim (Dottie) of Hoschton, GA, Kristi (Ben) of Neeses, SC and their two children Max and Micah, and Julie (Eric) of Sumter, SC and their two children Luke and Olivia; his brother, Tommy (Sabra) of Tignall, GA and their children Audra and Tom; his sister-in-law, Lola; his nephews, David, Tryon, and Clayton; and his niece, Stacy.

Lee was predeceased by his parents, Ellis Lee and Jerolyn B. Hopkins of Washington, GA, and his brother, Jimmy (Lola) of Jackson, SC.

At Lee's request there is no public service.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests a potted plant for them to share with others or a donation in his honor to the Humane Society in your area.