Longtime Hudson companies worker Bill Hopkins retires after 53 years

In an age when the concept of retirement after 20 years is the norm, and changing occupations every few years is viewed as acceptable, Bill Hopkins of Harbeson is an exception. Hopkins is celebrating his retirement from the Hudson family of companies after working for them for the past 53 years.

Hopkins started working for Joe Hudson in the commercial farming operation in 1959. Hopkins' father had worked for Hudson, and when the business started to expand, Hudson hired the son to help out with work on the farm. Hopkins helped manage the farming operation, planting, harvesting and maintaining the equipment. Through the decades and transitions into crop dusting, mobile home parks and later land development, Hopkins remained a loyal and trusted member of the team.

Hopkins' wisdom and experience, as well as his good humor and positive outlook, will be greatly missed by everyone at the Hudson Family of companies. Speaking at Hopkins' retirement celebration, Joe Hudson said, “You know, in all of these years Bill and I have never, ever, had a serious disagreement, let alone an argument about anything. Some nights we worked in the fields until 2 or 3 in the morning trying to harvest vegetables so we could get to the canning factories at 5 or 6 when they opened. Throughout all that time, I don’t think I heard Bill ever complain.”

The entire Hudson family extends its best wishes to Bill and his family for a relaxing and enjoyable retirement for Bill and his wife, Thelma, along with blessings and thanks for the legacy of his example of hard, honest work, prudent living and true friendship.