Michael Earl Hopper

Born in Oakland, California to Earl Monroe Hopper and Lou Helen (Barron) Hopper, on January 25, 1947, Mike was the 3rd of six siblings. The son of a Navy Officer/Chief Metalsmith, Mike spent his youngest years in Oakland, Corpus Christi, Tx, Oahu, Hawaii and San Diego, all locations where his Father was stationed. Mike finished his teenage years in Albertville, Al, where his Father retired and took the family to go back to his roots.

Mike's first real job was as the town's bicycling newspaper delivery boy, and he often reflected on his many whimsical anecdotes about his first job. After graduating from Albertville High School in 1965, he worked a short stint with an auto dealership for a company he coveted – the Studebaker Corporation. Mike was raised with Studebaker cars and he loved them, owning many throughout his life. Mike joined the Army, serving from 1966-1969, specializing in the Nike Hercules Surface to Air Missile Test Program in Huntsville, Alabama, and was later stationed in Germany.

After his Honorary Discharge, Mike worked for Southern Bell (AT&T) in Marietta, Georgia, and at this time he discovered his passion for sailing and racing sailboats. He became a member of the Barefoot Sailing Club in the mid-1970s, and later the Atlanta Inland Sailing Club, owning many different kinds and sizes of sailing vessels. Winning many trophies and awards for his sailing abilities, in 1985 he was named “Sailor of the Year,” for AISC, and promptly retired from his telecommunications job to cruise and race his 42' Pearson Ketch in Abaco and Exuma, Bahamas for a couple of years.

Returning to Marietta/Atlanta, Mike partnered as a Real Estate Investor in several apartment buildings, and around this time learned to play the guitar. In 1992, Mike met Terrie Fox, also in the Real Estate business. Mike taught her to sail that year and subsequently that summer they bought a sailboat together and began wintering in the Caribbean aboard their 34' Catalina, “BODETT,” and later their 42' Pearson Sloop (also “BODETT”). Mike strummed his guitar, both of them sang, and from time to time they brought their music to different venues in the islands. After 18 years of cruising the islands and working in real estate together, the sailboat was sold, and in 2012 they retired to The Villages.

Mike and Terrie found their new niche in The Villages entertaining as a duo. Mike often spoke of how blessed they were to have the best group of friends – from Marietta, to the cruising life in the Caribbean, to The Villages – that they could ever dream of and hope for, sincerely believing that he was because of this, one of the luckiest people on earth.

Mike's passions were his Studebakers (owning and/or restoring at least 9 of them throughout the years), sailing (owning 8-10 sailing vessels throughout), playing cards, the entertainment he and Terrie did in The Villages and beyond, and especially having, and being with friends.

Mike is survived by his wife, Terrie (Fox) Hopper, his daughters Melissa Hopper and Andrea (Warren) Hall, his sister Shirley (Jerry) Hogeland, his brothers Richard (Dara Shank) Hopper, David (Sharon) Hopper, Mark (Elaine) Hopper, 6 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and many, many dear friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Earl Monroe Hopper and Lou Helen (Barron) Hopper, and his sister, Gloria Hunter.

Michael Hopper held no malice in his heart. Remembered for many things – his great hair – his quick wit – his love for his family and friends -- for the amazing sailor that he was – he should also be remembered for completing the soul of his wife, Terrie.

The universe will not be the same without Michael, Miguel, Mike Hopper, The Son, The Sailor, and The Singer (and we should add - a lover of Studebakers).

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life on November 2, 2025, at 4:30pm at the Lake Miona Recreation Center (large Theatre Room) in The Villages. A reception and fellowship will follow at the same location. If you own Music with Mike and Terrie apparel of any kind, you are encouraged to wear it and/or nautical wear, in honor of Mike.