Phillip Bruce Hopkins

Phillip Bruce Hopkins, age 58, passed from this life on December 18, 2022, at his home in Pine Bluff with his wife and soulmate by his side. He was born February 1, 1964, in Houston, TX, to Charlie "Shorty" and Pauline Hopkins.

Bruce was a member of The General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn. On December 12, 1986, he was united in marriage to his loving wife and best friend of 36 years, Donna Watkins Hopkins. From this union, they had the joy of raising three children, Caleb and Dakota of Ozark, MO, and Kristen of DeWitt, AR. He was later blessed with seven grandchildren, who were his absolute pride and joy.

In 1994, Bruce joined the Army National Guard, where he served for two years. He then went on to graduate basic training and serve in the Army for eight years. During this time, he was sent overseas to Bosnia for six months. Along this journey, he and his family gained lifelong friends, Duane and Crystal Dohrmann, who became family. He later retired from the Army, and spent the rest of his days traveling and making precious memories with his wife.

Bruce was preceded in death by his dad, Charlie "Shorty" Hopkins and two sisters, Michelle Crow and Tara Desha Wright.

Survivors include his mother, Pauline McCallie of DeWitt; his wife, Donna Hopkins of Pine Bluff; three children Caleb, Kristen, and Dakota; seven grandchildren Daigan, Kadence, Bentley, Grayson, Presley, Brayden, and Avery; one brother, Mike Hopkins of DeWitt; and a host of family and friends.

Funeral services were at 2:00 p.m. on December 21 at the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn with burial in Thompson Cemetery. www.essexfuneralhome.com