Charles A. Hopper, 88, died peacefully, of natural causes on Monday April 21 at 7:30 am. After a fall at his home, Hopper was being cared for by St Peter Villa Rehabilitation in Midtown Memphis. A native Memphian and an Episcopalian, Hopper worked for over 40 years for Pidgeon-Thomas Iron Company. He began working right out of high school and except for leaving to serve in the US Army during the Korean War from 1951-1953, Hopper remained with Pidgeon-Thomas until he retired when the firm closed its doors in 1988. Hopper lived in the same apartment for 57 years. He never had a driver''s license, enjoyed walking, and Hopper never met a stranger. Including, the famous film star Katharine Hepburn with whom he enjoyed a long time correspondence. A movie enthusiast and a well-informed film buff, Hopper traded letters with many of the stars from Hollywood''s Golden Era. Hopper''s greatest joy, however, was caring for animals. He spent his life, restoring lost birds to their nests and protecting stray dogs and cats. "He just had a way with animals," remembers his close friend and work associate Jimmye Pidgeon. Charlie Hopper''s friends ask that any tributes or memorials be sent to the Memphis Humane Society. A graveside service will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery, Monday, May 5 at 2 p.m.