Boyd “Hoppy” Peoples, 77, went to be with the Lord on October 6, 2023. He grew up in Greensboro, NC with his 2 brothers and parents. He got his nickname "Hoppy" as a young boy due to his love for the show "Hopalong Cassidy", and later had his middle name changed to it. Hoppy is preceded in death by his parents, Pinkney Peoples and Clara Staples, and brother, Dallas. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Cindy, son Jason, daughter Christy Peoples, grandsons Conner and Nathan Smith, brother Wade (and wife Jane), as well as nieces and nephews. Hoppy dearly loved his "Sweetums" that he spent over half of his life with as they made innumerable memories. and they also made unforgettable memories together with Christy, Jason, and his grandchildren. He shared a special bond with both of his grandsons "Lil' Bit" (Conner) and "Lil' Bitty" (Nathan), and perhaps shined his brightest as their "Grampy".

Hoppy loved being on the golf course (scoring 3 hole-in-ones throughout the years!), and he regularly played with his closest friends, including his best friend Pastor Jay Robinette and the late John Williams. He also loved an annual tournament in “Little” Washington, NC where he, and his brothers and some friends played for many years. Some of his other favorite things were telling jokes, visiting Oak Island, NC and Gatilinburg, TN, science-fiction and western movies, bowling, and he was a longtime Tarheel fan. He also may have been the biggest fan of "The Andy Griffith Show", and he would regularly quote his favorite lines, including: "It's your shocks", "Get down there with them spiders", "Winken will tell Blinken, Blinken will tell Nod, Nod will tell Barney, and Barney will tell you". Hoppy was also an avid reader and kept a journal of all of the books he read, typically getting 3-4 books at a time from the library. After reading hundreds before starting the journal, he logged hundreds more on that list.

Hoppy was a proud Veteran of the Marines from 1963-1967 and served in Vietnam. He worked for Dillard Paper Company for many years, retired from there, and later worked at his favorite local golf course, Hanging Rock, for several years. He made numerous friends wherever he spent time, whether at work, church, or his favorite restaurants, and he often positively impacted total strangers. Hoppy also enjoyed being a member of Rosalind Hills Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for many years. For anyone that encountered him, there is a story and his memory will live on through those stories, as well as in the hearts of his family.

Hoppy would not want anyone to remain sad with his passing. He would want people to remember the great times, the laughter and jokes, and he would want everyone to pay those sentiments forward in hopes of bringing continued joy and smiles to others. While his family and friends will deeply miss him, they know that he is already planning on telling them his newest jokes upon seeing him in the next realm. His family and friends take comfort in knowing Hoppy is home with Jesus, and they all endeavor to maintain some semblance of the strength that Hoppy emulated in every tough situation he encountered as they celebrate his life.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, October 10, 2023 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM in the Oakey’s South Chapel. The funeral service will be held Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 12:00 PM in the South Chapel with Rev. Jay Robinette officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Burial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rosalind Hills Baptist Church to show appreciation for the love and support they’ve shown Hoppy and his family.