Leslie Russell Hopton

Leslie Russell Hopton passed away Thursday, December 17, 2020 at 3:20 PM in Jacksonville, FL.  To his many friends and family, he was known as Hoppy, Dick or Toddy.  Dick was born October 10, 1944 in Mobile, AL.

Dick spent his childhood and young adult years in Memphis and Whitehaven, TN.  He later moved to New Orleans, LA in 1965.  It was there he met his future wife, Charlene in 1969.  In 1970 Dick moved to Jackson, MS to work with his brother and to be closer to his father.  While living in Jackson, he became a jack of all trades, having owned and operated bowling centers, built and managed billiard centers and also worked in sales.  Dick enjoyed working with children coaching little league baseball and teaching them about good sportsmanship.

After retiring, Dick and Charlene moved to Saint Johns, FL in 2010 to be closer to their son, Todd.  Shortly after moving to Saint Johns, Dick and Charlene placed membership with the Mandarin Church of Christ.  His parents and family instilled in him a love for the Lord during his early years and his love for the Lord remained with him throughout his life.

He was a fixture in the Jacksonville billiard scene for many years. A cue and table mechanic to some, a friendly face to others and a friend to many.  He always had a kind word or story to share with everyone.  His friends say he will be missed.

He was predeceased by both parents, Eric Leslie Colston Hopton and Mary Frances Russell Hopton Yarborough.

Dick is survived by his wife Charlene Clothielde Purcell Hopton; his son Todd Bradford “Scooby” Hopton (Klarissa Gelles) and grandson Asher Greyson Hopton of Orlando, FL, a brother Ronald Gilbert “Ron” Hopton of Katy, TX and a sister Susan Anne “Sue” Hopton Millwood (Jerry Couillard) of Ashland, MS.  He also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.