William Lee ("Bill") Hopper passed away Sunday, October 22, 2023, at the age of 82 at his home in Oxford after a lengthy illness.

He was born on September 13, 1941, in La Porte, Indiana to the late Clarence and Mary Hopper. Bill received his undergraduate degree from the College of the Ozarks where he received a scholarship to run track. He later received his Juris Doctorate degree from The University of Arkansas, where he was a member of The Order of the Coif. After law school he trained at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. He worked as a Special Agent with the Bureau in New York before returning to Arkansas to work with Murphy Oil Corporation as Associate General Counsel. Later he moved to North Carolina and joined attorneys William T. ("Billy") Watkins and Daniel F. Finch to form the Oxford law firm that became Watkins, Finch & Hopper.

Bill was passionate about his community and the people of Granville County. He served on numerous Civic Boards and Commissions. He served as the Attorney for Granville County for over 20 years. During this time, he also served as the Attorney for Granville Medical Center/Hospital. He was an active member of Oxford Baptist Church where he served on many committees. Bill was also an active member of the North Carolina State Bar where he served as the former Chair of the Administrative Law Section.

Bill leaves behind a loving family. Surviving are his wife Nancy Hopper; two daughters, Paula Hopper Mersereau (Glenn); Cheryl Hopper Barker (Brian); two grandchildren, Sydney Barker and William ("Will) Barker, his brother Robert Hopper; Sister-in-Law, Betty Jo Hamme (Joseph Carr – deceased); niece, Betty Carr Hamme Fudge (Chip), Goddaughter, Kaitlyn Fudge Venditti (Dan), Godson, Jordan Fudge (Paige); Brother-in-Law, Gregory Leggett (Priscilla); and nephews, Gregory and Christopher Leggett.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00pm on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at Oxford Baptist Church, 147 Main Street in Oxford, North Carolina. A private graveside service will follow at Meadowview Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Oxford Baptist Church at 147 Main Street, Oxford, North Carolina, 27565.

Sossamon Funeral Home in Oxford is assisting the Hopper family.