William G. “Hoppy” Hoppert

WILLIAM G. “HOPPY” HOPPERT, age 86, Inverness, died August 14, 2013 at Citrus Memorial Hospital. Hoppy was born on March 16, 1927 in Grand Rapids, MI. He served our country in the United States Army immediately following WWII as the Army of Occupation. He started his working career at Keiser Frasier before moving to Florida in 1957. He worked for Montgomery Wards in St. Petersburg and relocated to Inverness in March 1969, after which he worked for Frank Avanzini Lumber Yard. Hoppy then became a firefighter and fire inspector for Citrus County. After retirement from there, he worked for Citrus County Sheriff’s Office for five years and then the Bank of Inverness for eight more years. Hoppy served on the Board of Directors for the Citrus County Fair Association, was active in the model railroad club and a member of VFW #4337 of Inverness, where he was known for his karoake singing. He also served as a clown for the Shriner’s Hospital and Santa Claus at the Bank of Inverness for many years. Left to cherish his memory is his twin sons, Jerry and wife Margaret Hoppert, Spring Hill and Larry and wife Carolyn Hoppert, St. Petersburg; his daughter Debbra Townsend and her husband Bruce Miller, Hudson, FL; stepdaughters Sandra, Cindy and Susie, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Jacqueline on 08/14/2003 and his daughter Dawn Oliva in 2005. Friends are invited to share in the celebration of Hoppy’s life on Saturday, August 24, 2013 at 3:00 PM at the Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Pastor Greg Kell officiating and military honors. The family will greet friends from 1:00 PM until the hour of service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Hoppy’s memory to Disabled American Veterans Association, 1039 N. Paul Drive, Inverness, FL 34453.