Ernest Clay Hopkins, 79, retired University of Kentucky maintenance worker, husband of Eva Jane Gabbard Hopkins, died Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at the Hospice Care Center. He was born January 11, 1938 in Bourbon County, son of the late Tommy and Mabel Tevis Hopkins, attended Bourbon County schools, and was a member of Ruddles Mill Christian Church. In addition to his wife, Ernest is survived by a daughter, Dianna Hunter (Charlie Fryman), Nicholas County; three sons, Donnie (Sherry) Hopkins, Stamping Ground, Billy (Tammy) Hopkins, Harrison County, Jimmy (Lesa) Hopkins, Lexington; two stepdaughters, Tonya (Alvin) Johnson, Pamela (Duane) Bullock, both of Winchester; nine grandchildren; four great grandchildren; eleven step grandchildren; and seven step great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers and a sister. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 31, at Hinton-Turner Funeral Home by Rev. John McGuire with burial in Evergreen Memory Gardens. His grandsons will serve as casket bearers. Visitation will be after 9:00 a.m. Monday.