Mike Hopkins, Sr.
September 16, 1944 – July 14, 2014
Mike Hopkins, Sr. passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Brenham, TX on July 14, 2014 with his loving wife of nearly 40 years Nina by his side. Services will be held Friday July 18th at 2 PM at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Brenham officiated by The Rev. Cecilia Smith & followed by a reception honoring his life and legacy at Mike Hopkins Distributing Company. Memorial Oaks Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Mike was born to Elizabeth Marie & David Flinnoye Hopkins just outside of Texas on September 16, 1944, but he got to Texas as soon as he could! A true Texan at heart and spirit, he leaves a legacy strong in foundation and purpose throughout our great state and country following his personal philosophy of Pass-It-On. He has cultivated many in our community and beyond to do the right thing for the right reasons with integrity and character.
His early days were spent in Galveston before earning a degree from Texas A&M and serving our country as a Marine. A true visionary from the beginning, he used his experiences like being the personal driver for General O.R. Simpson and being one of the first bar operators on Northgate to achieve future goals. He lived by never giving up and if you can’t outsmart them, then you can certainly outwork them following the three A’s of success: Ability, Aptitude, & Ambition.
This passion and vision led him and his wife Nina to Austin in the mid 1970’s to take over as the Executive Director of the Wholesale Beer Distributors of Texas (WBDT). This position allowed them to flourish both professionally and politically as they set the groundwork and together built the legacy that is now known as the Texas Three Tier system.
After reaching the pinnacle of influence in Austin (and most would say Washington, D.C. as well), Mike once again pivoted course for his family when an opportunity presented itself to be the Bud Man in Brenham, TX in 1989. The Hopkins, now including daughter Holly and son Mike Jr. moved to Brenham to start Mike Hopkins Distributing Company Inc. which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year.
After 25 years in Brenham, Mike’s passion of Pass-It-On has now fulfilled itself and lives on in all of us. While some may know that he was behind the Budweiser Clydesdales marching down Main Street, most don’t know he was behind the current EMS location or countless other improvements in our community. Never wanting credit, Mike Hopkins Sr. was involved either financially or personally with virtually every project that impacts a life in our community because he truly believed in Pass-It-On.
His accolades and accomplishments fill volumes and speak to his legacy. Some of the many are being named Washington County Man-of-the-Year in 2008 and being a founding member of the Texas Lyceum and Center for Coastal Conservation (CCC). His love of deep sea fishing led him to serve on the Board of Directors for the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) and the Houston Big Game Fishing Club. Following his philosophy of Pass-It-On, he served on the Executive Committees for the Texas A&M Chancellor’s Council, Volunteer Services Council at the Brenham State Supported Living Center, and the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Locally, if there was a club, he was a supporting Member.
Mike is survived in death by his wife Nina and his brother David and his two children Holly Hopkins Richardson (Mark) and Mike Hopkins Jr. (Elizabeth) and his grandchild Tyler Henry Hopkins and nephew Nick Stratos. He is also survived by special friend of the family, Michael Dudich.
Memorials may be made to the donor’s favorite charity, or to the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA). Flowers will be received at Mike Hopkins Distributing Company.
Mike goes to Heaven in peace leaving a life and legacy of Pass-It-On with a cold glass raised high saying this Bud’s For You.
Funeral arrangements for Mike Hopkins are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main, Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.
