MARTINEZ, Ga. - Samuel Thomas "Sam" Hopper, 78, beloved husband of 49 years to Joyce A. Hopper, entered into rest at his home, Sunday, September 14, 2008. Mr. Hopper, a native of Huntington, WV, was the son of the late Byrd Elizabeth Hopper and Samuel Thomas Hopper. He was a retired MP/Drill Sergeant with the US Army after 21 years and during the Korean Conflict he was with the 29th Infantry. He worked for 15 years with TRW and at the Bowling Center at Fort Gordon. Mr. Hopper enjoyed bowling and was inducted into the Bowling Hall of Fame. He was a member of New Heights Community Church. Family members in addition to his wife include his daughters and sons-in-law: Vickie and Al Kane of Appling, Mary Elizabeth Black of Augusta, Connie and Wayne Morgan of Trenton, SC, Sandra Lea and Jerry Colvin of North Augusta, SC. His life and joy were his grandchildren which include: Michael Kane, Joshua Colvin, Logan and Jennifer Black, Matthew Kane, Brandon Morgan, Miguel Garcia, Aubrey Lynn Hadden, Thomas Colvin, Tyler Morgan and Phillip Colvin and great grandson: Samuel Douglas Black. Survivors also include his nephew: Basil and wife Debbie Hopper and a number of great nephews and nieces in Columbus, Ohio. Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of Thomas Poteet & Son with Rev. Jerry Jones officiating. Interment will follow in Bellevue Memorial Gardens with Military Honors. Memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice, 1365 Interstate Parkway, Augusta, GA 30909 or the Augusta Chapter of the American Cancer Society, 2607 Commons Blvd., Augusta, GA 30909. The family will receive friends Wednesday, September 17, 2008 from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. www.thomaspoteet.com . Sign the guestbook at AugustaChronicle.com

The Augusta Chronicle-September 16, 2008