George Sidney Hopkins

George Sidney Hopkins, age 84, of Bel Air, MD passed away on July 26, 2014 at his home. Born and raised in Harford County, he was the son of the late Charles Henry Hopkins Sr. and Mary Edna Durham Hopkins, and husband of the late Frances Margaret Hopkins (née Hilditch). George, known to some by his nickname "Chick", graduated from Bel Air High School in 1946. Shortly after graduating he entered the United States Army where he distinguished himself serving in both the Korean and Vietnam conflicts before retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 3. His twenty-four year military career took him to assignments around the globe. He earned several awards and commendations including the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars, the Army Commendation Medal and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Citation to name several. On three occasions he and his Unit also received the Army Meritorious Unit Commendation. Upon his retirement and returning home he then went to work at Harford Memorial Hospital as a security officer where he worked another 20 years before retiring again in 1994.

George married his late wife, Frances, in October 1957; and together they traveled on assignments to various countries throughout the world, where they soon formed lasting friendships with other military families. When not on assignment, they traveled to every state in the U.S. and to every continent. Following his retirement from Harford Memorial Hospital, George and Frances developed a group of close friends from Harford County who would meet regularly for lunch to reminisce and discuss the events of day. These couples came to be known as the "Lunch Bunch." Together George and Frances shared a deep love for animals. George was also an avid stamp and coin collector and had a keen interest in genealogy. He had traced his family's Harford County roots back to the 1600's identifying a member of his family as one of the signers of Harford's Bush Declaration. George was a very active member of St. Margaret's Church. He was quietly known throughout the community for his generous donations of food and school supplies to needy churches and families.

Mr. Hopkins is survived by his sister, Dorothy Burns of Havre de Grace and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his sons, John and Anthony Charles Hopkins and brothers, Charles Henry Hopkins Jr. and Frank E. Hopkins.

Pallbearers will be Jack Burns, Robert Rexroth, Robert Hopkins, Daniel Hopkins, Bernard P. "Butch" Hilditch and Charles Henry Hopkins III.

Those who desire may make a contribution to the Humane Society of Harford County, 2208 Connelly Road, Fallston, MD 21047 or St. Margaret Catholic Church, 141 Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, MD 21014.