Joel Ray Hopper, age 77, of Henderson, Kentucky, passed away at the home he so loved, with friends and family near, on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

Joel was born on April 18, 1948, the second of three sons, born to Ruby and Wallace Hopper, in Henderson, KY. Joel was a very proud citizen of his hometown. After graduating from Henderson County High School in 1966, continuing his education at Western KY University, and proudly serving his country through the Army (where he received a commendation medal for meritorious service and an honorable discharge), he returned to his Henderson. He immersed himself in the community and many of its organizations, always generously giving of his time and knowledge to help improve the quality of life for the people in his hometown, which he not only cared for, but fiercely believed in. His loyalty to Henderson is marked by the many contributions he made through his involvement in Field and Main Bank, Henderson Leadership Initiative, Henderson River Port Authority, Henderson County Economic Development, The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and Audubon Kids Zone. Joel served on numerous other local, state-wide and national non-profit boards and civic organizations. Joel was recognized as Henderson County's Chamber of Commerce "Citizen of the Year" in 2021 for his work with the Henderson Leadership Initiative, the Henderson Employee Relief Fund and the Men's Bourbon Society of Henderson.

Joel's life was well-lived. He began his successful career at PB&S Chemical Company (now Brenntag Chemical) as a young man in the position of "purchasing agent".  He worked tirelessly-in true Joel fashion-with pure grit and determination, working his way to the position of president and retiring after forty-three years of service. He was well respected in the chemical business, making many, many friends throughout his decorated career. He often said, "I have been very fortunate to have made the most wonderful acquaintances in the chemical business, many of them becoming some of my closest friends." Everyone wanted to be a friend of Joel's. If you were fortunate enough to have Joel's friendship, you had a friend for life. He was deeply loyal and had an ever steady presence for the people he cared for and loved. He was charismatic, charming, witty and extremely kind. To be loved by Joel was to be immeasurably loved; he loved with his whole heart.

Joel passionately devoted his life to many things, but the devotion he had for his family and friends could not be matched. His children were the center of his life. He was a wonderful son to his parents, Ruby and Wallace Hopper and the proud younger brother of Danny (Grass) Hopper who all preceded him in death.

He is survived by the mother of his children, Shannon Hendricks; his daughter, Marleigh Hendricks Mullins (Greg); his sons, Mason Hendricks (Ashley) and Lanson Beck; his youngest brother, Mike (Luisa); nephews, Michael (Karina), Kevin (Precious), and his namesake nephew "Little Joel" Hopper (Neda); his niece, Amanda Joiner (Alan); two grandchildren, Garisynn and Beck Mullins; three great-nephews, Connor and Caleb Coomes and Winston Hopper; and great-niece, Cassady Coomes. Joel's family is expected to grow by two great-nephews this year, and he expressed his excitement for their arrival, already planning another big Christmas with his newest family members.

Joel was a giver. He loved to help in any way he could. He loved to be home, but he also loved being away to spend time with his dearest friends. He loved a good meal in good company. He loved to watch and play golf. He loved to mow grass and then admire his work from his porch. He loved holidays celebrated at home. He loved fresh flowers in the house. He loved his dogs and horses. He had such an affection for ice cream and key lime pie that we would warn him, jokingly, about developing type II diabetes! Since retiring, he loved spending time with his youngest son, Lanson (confident it was keeping him young). But most of all, he loved his family, his friends, his community and his country.

Joel will be affectionately remembered for a multitude of things. He meant so much, to so many. His loss, we will forever grieve. However, his legacy will live on in the most wonderful memories we were all fortunate enough to create with such a remarkable man. Life was and will always be, better with Joel.

Memorial services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home, 604 Center Street, Henderson, Kentucky 42420.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time Tuesday at the funeral home.

Contributions may be made to Audubon Kids Zone, 1325 Powell Street, Henderson, Kentucky 42420, or via website www.audubonkidszone.com.

Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com.