[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 127 (Monday, September 8, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1335]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN MEMORY OF MIKE HOPKINS, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 8, 2014

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to honor Mike Hopkins, 
Sr.
  He came into this world right outside the Texas state line on 
September 16, 1944, but became a Texan just as soon as he could.
  Elizabeth Marie & David Flinnoye Hopkins raised a man who was a Texan 
deep in his heart--a man who leaves behind a legacy of achievement and 
purpose that his children embody.
  Mike's son worked in my Washington, D.C. office and only left us to 
return to Texas to continue his education and start his family. Clearly 
he was raised right by a father who considered serving his community 
not just a necessity, but an honor.
  Mike's personal philosophy of ``Pass-It-On'' has led many across our 
state to do the right thing. Because a person's legacy is all about the 
foundation they built with their heart and their spirit, to do the 
right thing for the right reasons with integrity and character
  From Mike's early days in Galveston, to his studies at Texas A&M 
University, his service to our nation as a proud Marine, and then a 
community-minded business man, those who knew him and learned from him 
were blessed to have a true visionary as a mentor and a friend.
  Many didn't know Mike was the personal driver for General O.R. 
Simpson. With hard work and determination, he went from Marine to 
barkeeper to successful businessman.
  You don't win by giving up. Mike believed you won by outworking the 
other guy and using your head. Those who knew Mike knew his three A's 
of success: Ability, Aptitude and Ambition.
  On July 14, 2014, Mike Hopkins, Sr. passed away peacefully in his 
sleep at his home in Brenham, Texas. Nina, his wife of nearly four 
decades was right by his side.
  He leaves a strong legacy at Mike Hopkins Distributing Company and at 
the Wholesale Beer Distributors of Texas.
  Our thoughts are with Nina, Holly, Mike Jr., and his grandson Tyler.

                          ____________________