William Randall Hopson, Sr., 72, of St. Augustine, FL died at his beloved Riverwood home, July 16, 2026. He and his family were St. Johns County residents since 1991.

William, "Randy," was born on Sewart Air Force Base Hospital in Smyrna, TN, the son of Geraldine Hopson and Master Sergeant Jess Hopson, Jr. of Murfreesboro, TN. He relished all the adventures of a military-family upbringing, living in Texas, Virginia and Alaska, enjoying snow, skiing and fishing with his father for salmon, and trolling Virginia's Chesapeake Bay. These memories were treasured, as his father passed when he was only 22.

Randy graduated Central High School, Murfreesboro, in 1972, and joined later the U.S. Navy, serving in the Vietnam Conflict. He later attended Middle Tennessee State University and the University of Florida, receiving Bachelors Degree from MTSU.

William worked 50-plus years largely in the Automotive Services Management. His last years were spent in the RV industry, Jacksonville and St. Augustine.

William is survived by his wife, Madeline Sparks Hopson; son William R. Hopson Jr.; daughter Stephanie Anne Hopson; granddaughter, Emery Moore; and sister Sharon Yuill and Uncle Ted Hopson, a survivor to Jess. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by half-sister Patti, the first child of Geraldine by previous marriage.

A graveside service for William will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026 at Townsend Cemetery, Bell Florida, at 11:30 AM. A visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 AM at Watson-Milton Funeral Home, Trenton, Florida. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Watson-Milton Funeral Home. (352) 463-8888 www.watsonmilton.com