William Freeman Hopper Jr.

November 26, 1928 – July 11, 2026. Dr. William Freeman Hopper, Jr. was a devoted husband to Shirley B. Lee Hopper and a loving father to Melinda “Mindy” Jane Hopper. Freeman, at the age of 97, passed peacefully on July 11, 2026 in Rochester, New York, joining his beloved wife, Shirley. The two shared 62 wonderful years together, primarily residing in Collinsville, Illinois.

Freeman was born to William Freeman Hopper, Sr. in Memphis, Tennessee on November 26, 1928. He graduated from Central High School in Memphis in 1946. In 1950, he joined the National Guard and earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Memphis State University. He began his career teaching science and physical education at the high school in Middleton, Tennessee, where he also coached basketball. That same year, he joined the United States Air Force and served as a radio communications instructor at Scott Air Force Base in O’Fallon, Illinois. Freeman met his future wife, Shirley, who was teaching in a neighboring town, Alton. In 1952, he relocated to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, where he was commissioned as an officer. On July 18 of that year, Freeman married Shirley at the Base. In 1953, he was then assigned to Scott Air Force Base to teach cryptography. Freeman was a proud veteran who served during the Korean War.

Following his military service, Freeman attended the University of Tennessee, earning a Master's degree in Administration in 1955. Next, he taught science at West Junior High School in Alton, Illinois, and subsequently served as an elementary school counselor and an assistant principal at Webster Junior High School in Collinsville, Illinois, for two years. Out of all his occupations, most notably, Freeman, at the age of 32, dedicated much of his career for 13 years as the first principal of North Junior High School in Collinsville. He opened this school with 45 teachers. He was known for fostering a culture of transformation and positive self-esteem among students and staff. Many alumni have reached out over the years to express their gratitude for his impactful leadership and guidance. Freeman earned his Ph.D. degree in Education, specializing in Supervision of Secondary Teaching at St. Louis University in 1975. He was then asked to move up to be the Director of Secondary Education in the Collinsville Community Unit 10 and then to be the Director of Curriculum and Instructional Improvement in 1981. While he attempted to retire, he was asked to fill in for three more schools in the Collinsville area. Freeman happily retired in 1987 and he was then known as Doc Hop or Doc Hopper.

Doc Hop’s hobbies include reading; collecting, restoring, and displaying guns; building and flying model planes; and woodworking. His volunteer activities included supporting Red Cross Blood drives and CPR programs; serving as a Post Commander for American Legion Post 365 in Collinsville, Illinois; ushering at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis, Missouri; and providing tutoring to children at St. John United Church of Christ where he was a member, in Collinsville, Illinois. In 2012, Freeman and Shirley moved to Rochester, NY to be closer to their daughter, Mindy. Since Shirley’s passing in 2014, Freeman and Mindy enjoyed many memorable travel adventures and home projects including landscaping, building birdhouses, stools, and game boards. Freeman was known as a kind person, quick witted and humorous, as well as a great storyteller.

Freeman is fondly remembered by his daughter Mindy; his two brothers, James Marvin Hopper (Anita), and David Webb Hopper (Carolyn); and niece, Krystal Lyn Fitzpatrick; niece Andrea Hopper Bell (Mike), and nephew Jeffrey Hopper (Shannon). Freeman is also survived by many more family members.

Freeman lived a life filled with love, kindness, and countless blessings. May he rest in peace with dignity. He will be rested at the National Arlington Cemetery where Shirley is laid to rest. A private ceremony in celebration of life will be scheduled for late fall. Remembrances and support in memory of William Freeman Hopper, Jr. may be sent to Leigh Evatt American Legion Post 365, 1022 Vandalia Street, Collinsville, IL 62234, designated for the front lawn exhibitions. Alternatively, memorial contributions can be directed to the Friends of Parks and Recreation Center, 515 Calkins Road, Henrietta, NY 14467, designated for the Henrietta Senior Citizens Center.