Obituary for Gailand Bruce Hopkins
Gailand Bruce Hopkins, a devoted resident of Altus, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully in Oklahoma City on June 16, 2025. He was eighty-six.
Born in Maryville, Missouri, to Earl Rudolph Hopkins and Geneva Bartlett Hopkins, Gailand was raised and educated in his hometown. In 1960, he proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he trained as an engineer specializing in plumbing. His distinguished 20-year military career took him around the globe, with assignments in Lincoln, Nebraska; Berlin, Germany; Mount Hood Radar Site, Oregon; Bedford, Virginia; Osan, Korea; Altus, Oklahoma; and finally McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey.
It was during his service in Lincoln that fate intervened: Gailand saw a photograph of his friend Jerry's cousin, Gwynda Ann McDonald, and was instantly smitten. After writing her letters, he drove to Arkansas to meet her just once-their next meeting was at the altar. The two were married in Rupert, Arkansas, beginning a lifelong love story. Retiring in 1981 as a Master Sergeant, Gailand returned to Altus with his family. He briefly worked as a civilian contractor at Altus Air Force Base before finding his calling at AutoZone. There, his passion for helping others, sharing stories, and talking cars made him a beloved fixture in the community.
Gailand was a faithful member of Southside Baptist Church and cherished fellowship with the McDonald's coffee group, where laughter and camaraderie flowed as freely as the coffee. A dedicated NASCAR enthusiast and Dallas Cowboys superfan, he rarely missed a race or game. He also loved evenings at the Altus racetrack.
Those who knew Gailand will remember his booming humor, legendary storytelling, and fierce loyalty. He welcomed friends like family, loved with his whole heart, and stood unwavering for those he cherished. His devotion to Gwynda was unparalleled; he grieved her deeply for 13 years after her passing. His children and grandchildren were his greatest pride and joy.
He was received at the gates by his beautiful wife, Gwynda Hopkins his parents, his brothers, Larry Hopkins, Richard Hopkins; sisters, Sarah Wiley, Margaret Vannaken.
Gailand is survived by his loving children, Steve and Julie Hopkins, Annetta and Richard Lander; Brother, Jim Hopkins, sisters, Doris Songer, Janice Saitta; grandchildren, Sidney Champagne, Michael Hopkins, and wife, Cassey, Madison Arguello and husband, Erick, Ashlie Hopkins, great grandchildren, Jackelin Champagne, Jace Southerland, Jaqob Champagne, Aaron Hopkins, Eden Hopkins, Samuel Williams, Emery Arguello and Renley Arguello sister-in-law Donna and Woody Tester. And numerous nieces, nephews and a community of friends who will forever cherish his legacy of love, service, and unforgettable laughter.
The Hopkins family will receive friends from 6:00p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Thursday, June 19, 2025 at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home, Altus, Oklahoma.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday June 20, 2025 at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home Chapel, Altus, Oklahoma. Interment will at a later time to Rupert Cemetery in Rupert, Arkansas.
To send flowers in memory of Gailand Bruce Hopkins, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
Thursday
19
Jun
6:00 PM
- 8:00 PM
Lowell-Tims Chapel
1100 East Tamarack Road
Altus, OK 73521
Funeral
Friday
20
Jun
10:00 AM
- 12:00 PM
Lowell-Tims Chapel
1100 East Tamarack Road
Altus, OK 73521
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