Retired MSGT Joseph Madison Hopper

Retired MSGT Joseph M. Hopper, age 88 of Calhoun, passed away Wednesday, September 21, 2011 in Floyd Medical Center. Joseph was born on February 9, 1923 in Gordon County. Son of the late James Clifton and Pearl Marriah Chastain Hopper. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force for more than 22 years serving during WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Joseph was proud of his military career landing at Omaha Beach on D-Day and later under Gen. George S. Patton fought in the Battle of the Bulge. After serving his country he was employed by Carriage Carpets as a truck driver until his retirement. He was an avid golfer and a pilot of both fixed wing and helicopters. Joseph was a member of Salem Baptist Church and the Sonora Masonic Lodge #221.Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth Langley. Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Sandra Woody Hopper of Calhoun. Daughters; Cheryl McFarland and her husband Les of Las Vegas, Nevada, Brenda Ammon and her husband Ken of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Angela Alexandersen and her husband Lt. Col Richard Alexandersen of White, Georgia. One Brother; James Hopper and his wife Odessa of Calhoun. Eight Grandchildren: Chad Ammon, Nicole Ammon, Jason Hunt, Sabrina Hunt, Andrew Alexandersen, Lauren Alexandersen, Christina Alexandersen and Adam Alexandersen. Four Great-Grandchildren; Joshua Ammon, Emily Ammon, Ashlee Ammon, and Kylee Hunt. Two godchildren, Dawson Flemming and Madison Flemming also survive. Funeral Services will be conducted at 3:00p.m. Friday, September 23rd at Salem Baptist Church with the Rev. William Roberts officiating. Music will be arranged by Paul Sneed and Ann Richmond. Burial will follow in Fain Cemetery with full military rites accorded by the United States Air Force Honor Guard. Pallbearers include; Chad Ammon, Adam Alexandersen, Andrew Alexandersen, Richard Alexandersen, Mike Miller, and Wiley White. Honorary Pallbearers include; M.L. Dale, Jimmy Chastain, Alan Price, Ron Dobbs, Phillip McDaniel, Grady Burger, Jeff Shope, Donald Hopper, and Maxwell Reese. The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 9:00p.m. Thursday, September 22nd at Salem Baptist Church. You may leave the family online condolences at www.thomasfuneralhomecalhoun.com Thomas Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Retired Air Force MSGT Joseph M. Hopper.