Roy Nolan Hopper

Roy “Nolan” Hopper of Knoxville, TN passed away surrounded by his family on Tuesday, March 17th, 2026 at the age of 88. He was born on November 23rd, 1937 in Big Spring, Texas. He graduated from Banning High School in Wilmington, CA. where he met the love of his life Celia Wolfenbarger. She was his best friend for 55 wonderful years of marriage until her death in 2016.

Nolan was an outdoorsman and over the years enjoyed camping, bicycling, swimming, and yard work. He worked as a longshoreman for 36 years in Long Beach, CA until his retirement in 1996 when he relocated to Knoxville, TN. Nolan was a devoted father to his sons and a loving papaw to his grandchildren. He was a faithful Christian and a longtime member of Callahan Road Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents Taylor and Lucille Hopper; wife Celia Hopper; sister Novelle Hopper; and niece Kathyleen Ryan. He is survived by his children Donald Hopper (Teresa) and Ronald Hopper (Elizabeth); grandchildren Ashley Hill (Justin), Shelby Titlow, Jamie Lopez, and Amber Kitts (Jacob); great-granddaughters Reagan Hill and Camden Hill; sister Anna Ryan; nephew Daniel Ryan and several other nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will meet at Acuff Cemetery on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 1:45pm for a 2:00pm graveside service. Condolences can be made at www.mynattfh.com