Henry Nelson Hopkins, 69 of Woodford VA, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2026, at Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center. He was born to the late Earl and Effie Hopkins, of Caroline County, VA. Henry was born on Saturday, July 7, 1956, in Richmond, VA at MCV Hospital. He lived most of his life in Caroline County and graduated from Caroline County Public Schools. He lived a life defined by dedication, warmth and a deep appreciation for the things he loved most his family and his passion for hot rods. Whether he was under the hood of an engine, restoring a classic, or simply enjoying a drive, he found peace in the world of automobiles.

Later in life he moved to Richmond, VA where he started his first business, a snack truck business called "Ole Henry Snacks", and later a lawn care service. He then returned to Caroline County to take care of his late father, Earl W. Hopkins and worked at Fort AP Hill for several years.

He married Penny A. Hopkins on November 24, 1986. They had their first daughter, Erika L. Chapman on December 25, 1986, later on came Keionnia N. Hopkins, and Daquan L. Branch. Henry was also known as "Hop" or "Roadrunner". He was so proud when he bought his 64 Chevy Nova, he called it "The Flying Brick". He took his own race car to Dinwiddie and ran an 8.24 on the quarter mile track. He was so proud that day to see his hard work had finally paid off. Above all else he loved spending time with his family, and having a great meal. Sundays was his favorite, football, family, and food! He was a very simple but complicated man. His favorite saying was "don't worry, you reap what you sow".

He leaves behind his loving wife of 40 years, Penny A. Hopkins of Woodford, VA. His children, Erika L. Chapman (Troy) of Ruther Glen, VA, Keionnia N. Hopkins of Richmond, VA, and DaQuan L. Branch of Woodford, VA. His favorite nephew, Cedric Hopkins, of Fredericksburg, VA. His siblings, Geneva Reynolds (late Wilbur) and Earl Hopkins (Jeanette), Woodford, VA, Curtis Hopkins (Joyce) of Stafford, VA, and Maggie Whitehead, of Bowling Green, VA and a host of nieces, and nephews, friends, and family.

Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Mt. Oni Baptist Church, 14135 Dry Bridge Road, Ruther Glen, Virginia, 22546, with a viewing one hour prior to the service.