Rodney Darnell Hopkins

Rodney Darnell Hopkins was born January 16, 1957 in Little Rock, Arkansas to James F. Hopkins and Lenora McJimpson Hopkins. He was the only son of a blessed family union of four children. Because of a strong family bond, the family returned to Bloomington, IN where his family’s heritage of love and support permeated into the lively, caring, exuberant and kindly man we all have come to know and love.  He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized and attended Second Baptist Church of Bloomington IN.

Rodney’s athleticism started as a young child on the little league football team. His sports figure name as a child was “Hoppy”. “Hoppy’s done it again” was something attributed to Rodney with his consistent continual records of playing football. In fact, his rushing record for total career yards was not broken until recently with Bloomington High School North, Bloomington IN where he attended.

Rodney’s legacy began with him receiving his bachelor’s degree in 1980 from Indiana University where he was currently serving on the Board of Directors with the School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA). His love of Football continued in College also playing with Indiana University. After graduating Rodney relocated to Southern California, positioning himself in Orange County. Bringing to town his grass roots of love, passion and determination, Rodney’s career choice encompassed his personality, (i.e., giving back to others).

Rodney is known for his dedication to Christ and service to Second Baptist Church, Santa Ana, CA.  He was elected by the congregation to serve on the Board of Trustees, was a dedicated member of the Usher Board, an active member of the SBC Small Groups Ministry, “Words of Wisdom Group”(WOW) and participant in the SBC Leadership Development Ministry.  His devotion to “paying forward” resulted in many opportunities for SBC members to become gainfully employed.

In 1992, Rodney met Pamanita Ham, where their journey together led to their beloved union in marriage on December 30, 1995. This blessed union led to more blessings as he became a devoted father to Andre Pirl. It was meant to be! His methodical career move coupled with wife Pamanita a design engineer led them to identifying the critical need for engineering staffing in the burgeoning Orange County. They decided to help fill this need by combining their talents.  Thus, leading them to the wise obvious choice of launching Darnell Technical Services, Inc. in January 2004.

Rodney was preceded in death by his loving Grandmother, Maltilda Jane Hopkins, and Sister, Marcia Pickett. 

He leaves to cherish in memory, his loving wife, Pamanita Hopkins known as “Baby Doll”, one son, Andre Pirl, Mother, Lenora Hopkins of Piperton, TN; his Father, James F. Hopkins (Louise) of Bloomington, IN; two sisters LaDonna (Calvin)Fletcher, Beltsville, MD; Vatonia (Keith) Gray Piperton, TN; two brothers-in-law Andre Pickett, Bloomington, IN, Percy (Shondra)Ham of Carson CA, one sister in-law Yvonne (Michael) Beaird of Inglewood, CA; aunts and uncles and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and devoted friends.

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