Howard Hopkins, Sr., 79, of Franklin, entered into rest on Thursday, March 23, 2006.

A native of Macon County, he was the son of the late Samuel Hopkins and Mattie Sorrells Hopkins. He was preceded in death by two sons, Jerry Ray Hopkins and Charles Hopkins and two daughters, Mary Alice Hopkins and Betty Sue Hopkins. Howard worked for Franklin Construction Co. as a heavy equipment operator.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Margie Collins Hopkins; five sons, Richard Hopkins, Jr. of Franklin, Harold Hopkins of Atlanta, GA, Gary Hopkins, Randy Hopkins and Billy Hopkins all of Franklin; four daughters, Edith Sullivan of Hendersonville, NC, Patsy Holbrooks, Barbara Weaver and Elaine Hopkins Germani all of Franklin; two brothers, Jay Hopkins and Ralph Hopkins both of Franklin; three sisters, Etta Tallent and Mary Wilson both of Franklin and Lucille Potts of Greenville; 19 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 26, in the Chapel of Macon Funeral Home. Rev. Mark Bishop and Rev. Andy Cloer will officiate. Burial will be in the Windy Gap Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at Macon Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be James Hopkins, Keith Hopkins, Michael Hopkins, Bobby Hopkins, Jimmy Collier, Jerry Collier, Stanley Hopkins and Gary Hopkins.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences available @www.maconfuneralhome.com