Charles B. Hopkins

Charles Bernard Hopkins was born on May 7, 1961 to the late Joe and Lorine Hopkins McClain. Charles was born and raised in San Antonio where he attended the local schools and graduated from Sam Houston High School in 1980.

In 1983, Charles was hired by City Public Service (CPS) which later became CPS Energy where he had an illustrious career.  He started as a lineman helper and over the course of time worked his way up to a Pole Crew Foreman. During his time at CPS Energy, he made major progression and climbed the career ladder of success. He was known as “Slammer” and that name stayed with him even to this day. He was a dedicated and hard worker with an incredible work ethic. He was one of the few African American Lineman and he established an outstanding record and reputation. He was well liked and well respected. Those who had the pleasure of working with him would attest to his outstanding leadership and standard of excellence. Charles “Slammer” retired after 36 years of dedicated service and loyalty to CPS Energy.

Charles had an extreme zest for life and believed in living it to the fullest. He was an avid fisherman and at any given time would take his family and friends on his boat, “Salty Dog”, and head to the coast! This was truly his “happy place”. Charles also loved to golf. He loved the challenge of the sport as well as the competition. His other activity of enjoyment was swimming at Fort Sam Houston early in the morning with his buddies at least three to four times a week. This was therapy for him. He was an outdoorsman and loved working in his yard. He loved keeping his yard perfectly manicured and took great delight in his hard work and the results. All of his activities allowed him a great time of relaxation, fellowship, and enjoyment.

Above the great career and wonderful activities, Charles’s greatest love was his love for Christ. He accepted the Lord at a young age and served Him faithfully. He was a member of Huntleigh Park Baptist Church for many years and served as a Deacon. In 2007, the Lord led Charles to Maranatha Bible Church. He was active in the Men’s Sunday school class and was a regular attendee of prayer meeting and Bible study.  It was at Maranatha Bible Church where he met Willette Woods, who later became his wife. The two were joined in holy matrimony in 2008 and both continued to worship there together.

In 2014, the Holy Spirit directed Charles and Willette to Agape Christian Church. Here at Agape they served as facilitators in the Marriage Ministry. For seven years they opened their hearts and their home to other married couples and by using a variety of approved marriage curriculums poured into other couples. They understood the sacredness of marriage and the relationship of Christ and His bride, the Church. Charles was ordained as a Deacon and continued to faithfully serve the Lord and his church family. He was active in the ACC Love group and he absolutely loved greeting the members at the front door on Sunday mornings. He had an infectious smile and made everyone feel loved and welcomed. He was loved throughout the church and everyone knew him. One of his most outstanding gifts was his ability to share the Gospel. Everywhere he went from stores, restaurants, the gas station, he would let people know how much Jesus loved them. He would offer the plan of salvation to the unsaved and invite the unchurched to his church. He was not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ and was very vocal about sharing his testimony. He knew where his blessings came from and that only what you did for Christ would last.

Aside from his first love for Christ, his next greatest love was for his wife and his family. He was very proud of the family that he and Willette built with Christ as the foundation. He was truly the Patriarch that led by example with love and great care.  His family truly loved him, respected him, and honored him. He and Willette opened their hearts and “adopted” two other sons and a daughter! He was “Pops” to them all!

Charles transitioned from time to eternity on February 21, 2025. There is no question or doubt that he is in the presence of the Lord.

Charles is proceeded in death by his parents, Joe and Lorine Hopkins McClain, his stepfather Joe McClain, his sisters, Gwendolyn Hopkins Bateman and Patricia Hopkins Garcia, as well as his brother Michael Hopkins.

He leaves behind to cherish his memories, his wife Willette of 17 years; children, Mercedes, Kaylon (Lyric), Kyra (Gerald), Sarah (Austin); his grandchildren, Makayla, Isaiah, and Olivia; his “adopted” children, Russell (Tiye), Ahmad, and Angela; his siblings, Waymon Hopkins (Janie), Lena Hopkins Smith, Lori Hopkins White and Steve Martin (Mali). He also leaves to cherish his memories his Special Cousins, Glynis Adams McGinty, Cassandra Foley, Valerie Hopkins, Andrea Hopkins Hayden, and Chirita Patton Murray and “Adopted Parents” Bill and Jackie Arnette as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.