William Michael "Mickey" Hopper

William Michael "Mickey" Hopper, 84, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, friendship, and unwavering devotion to his family. He was born on August 28, 1942, to Ruby Bost Faulk.

Mickey graduated from Mineral Springs High School in 1961, where he excelled as a standout baseball player. During his senior year, he accomplished the remarkable feat of throwing three no-hitters, a testament to his talent and determination.

It was at Mineral Springs that Mickey met the love of his life, Janice Marie "Jan" Gulledge, when they were in the ninth grade. One of their favorite stories was Mickey drove a school bus and Jan, was Mickey's substitute driver, when he had baseball games after school. Their young love blossomed into a beautiful marriage and on September 21, 1962 they married. Together they shared nearly 60 wonderful years until Jan's passing in August 2022 after a courageous battle with kidney cancer.

Mickey dedicated 33 years of service to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. Beginning his career in 1962, he worked his way into management, spending the last 20 years in the Packaging Department at the 604 and 604-10 Maintenance locations before retiring in March 1997.

Retirement allowed Mickey to pursue the things he loved most. He was an avid carp fisherman and enjoyed traveling wherever adventure called. One of the greatest joys he shared with Jan was line dancing. Together they not only taught line dancing but also choreographed dances of their own. One of their favorites was the dance they created for the Bellamy Brothers' song Dancing Cowboy.Mickey and Jan also treasured the many friendships they made through the years, especially with their dear friends Hoyt and Betty Fincher, owners of Fincher's White Front Store in the Fort Worth Stockyards in Texas. Becoming one of their favorite destinations, filled with laughter and unforgettable memories.

Mickey and Hoyt also shared many adventures traveling to Brazil to fish for Peacock Bass on the Amazon River. Those trips became cherished memories that reflected Mickey's love of the outdoors and the friendships he valued so deeply. He was heartbroken by the loss of Hoyt during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Above all else, Mickey was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His greatest pride was his family.

He is survived by his daughters, Cynthia Denise "Cindi" Cox and her husband, Marty Cox, and Traci Lynn Boles and her husband, Charlie Boles; his beloved grandchildren, Kristin Taylor Cox, Kyle Michael & Emily Sumner Cox, and Tanner & Emily O'Brien; his sister, Nancy Spence; his brother, Daniel Faulk and wife, Teresa. He was especially excited that Kyle & Emily shared with him that his first great grandchild is due in December.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janice Marie "Jan" Hopper; his mother, Ruby Bost Faulk; his brothers, Dean Hopper, Jerry Hopper and Jimmy Hopper; and his dear friend, Hoyt.

Mickey will be remembered for his kind heart, gentle spirit, quick smile, love of baseball, passion for fishing and dancing, and the deep love he had for his family and friends. His life was one well lived, and his memory will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.

Though he is deeply missed, those who loved him find comfort in knowing that he has been reunited with his sweetheart, Jan, and that their dance together continues forever.

A graveside service to honor Mickey's life will be held on October 12, 2026, starting at 12 pm, at Crestview Memorial Park in Rural Hall, NC.