Lawyer and counselor, family patriarch, life-long learner, world-traveler, and proud Dentonite, passed away on Independence Day, 2016. George was born in Denton, Texas, on January 11, 1925. He was a lifetime resident of Denton, except for his treasured years in Austin and his final two years in Fort Worth. He graduated from the University of Texas and the University of Texas School of Law in 1948. He married Jane Zichner on September 17, 1949.

George loved his family, his friends, the practice of law, the Denton community, First Methodist Church of Denton, the University of Texas, a good meal and a glass of wine - although not necessarily in that order. He was not fond of cats, inefficiency, or things that interfered with a good night's sleep (which he claimed never to get).

George believed that those who were blessed by the community had an obligation to return the blessings, and he devoted countless hours to civic and church affairs. He served as president of the Denton County Bar Association, the Denton Rotary Club, and the Board of Trustees of the Denton Independent School District, as well as serving as chairman of the Denton Housing Authority, the District 14B Grievance Committee of the State Bar of Texas, the Civil Service Commission of the City of Denton, and numerous committees of First Methodist Church of Denton. He received many awards for his service, and was particularly proud of receiving the Otis L. Fowler Award from the Denton Chamber of Commerce in 2000.

George is survived by Jane Hopkins, his wife of 66 years and his partner in life. Together George and Jane were active in Denton politics, arts, and charitable organizations. They raised two daughters, Ellen and Kate. George was a man of relatively few words (at least compared to his wife and daughters), but he made them all count. Jane, Ellen and Kate will all miss George's wisdom, brain power, logic, rich vocabulary, dry wit, love, and support.

George was renowned within the family for his prayers before holiday meals. As he was actually able to talk without being interrupted on those occasions, he got to say more words than usual. His thanks for the blessings that had been bestowed upon the family were always preceded by his hope and desire that his grandchildren be hard-working, upstanding, honest, trustworthy, and lead lives of moral rectitude.

George combined his love of intellectual discovery with travel. He and Jane frequently attended the University of Texas Alumni College classes, and he stayed abreast of current events up until a week before his death. George and Jane traveled to six of the seven continents. They traveled with good friends, and they made more good friends on many of their trips. While George was still working, he applied the same work ethic to travel that he did to the practice of law and civic affairs. More than one travel companion was known to request a "down" day.

After George retired, he and Jane enjoyed introducing their grandchildren to places they had discovered and loved. The grandkids remember with fondness their many travels with their grandparents. Ellen and Kate were shocked to learn that their children were coddled by being allowed to lollygag around the hotel room until after 9 a.m., thereby missing several prime sightseeing hours.

George was preceded in death by his parents, George and Eleanor Hopkins, his infant son, his brother, Wallace Hopkins, and brother-in-law, W.D. Hill. George is survived by his wife, Jane; his daughters, Ellen Hopkins Rogers and Kate Hopkins; his sons-in-laws, Robert Rogers and Ted Brizzolara; his grandchildren, Samuel Hopkins Rogers (Kelly), Scott Andrew Brizzolara (Elizabeth), Carol Ann Brizzolara and Rebecca Jane Rogers (Michael Berg); and his great- grandson, John Colwell Rogers. George is also survived by his sister, Mary Elizabeth Hill; his sister-in-law, Margaret Kyle Hopkins; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund of First United Methodist Church, Denton, the Justice Ministry of First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth, or to a charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., on Saturday, July 9th at First United Methodist Church, Denton, Texas, with reception to follow.