Burleson Arch "B.A." Hopkins, 89, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2012. He was born in Richland Spring, Texas on July 29, 1922, to Benjamin Arch Hopkins and Fannie Burleson Hopkins. He attended school in Richland Springs. B.A. served honorably in the U.S. Navy during WWII. After the war, he attended SMU and lacked only six class hours for graduation when, in 1948, he went to work for Dallas oilman and rancher B.F. Phillips. B.A. continued with the Phillips family and Phillips Ranch at Frisco, Texas as an accountant and later as a personal business manager until his retirement in 2002.

At Phillips Ranch, he played a part in the success of many great stallions such as the famous cutting horse and sire, Doc O Lena and great running horse and sire, Dash For Cash, among many others.

B.A. was a 60 year Mason, a 50 year member of the Scottish Rite and a 50 year Shriner, as well as a member of the Royal Order of Jesters. As a member of the shriner's Black Horse Patrol, B.A. participated in the inaugural parade for President George W. Bush in Washington D.C. He commented that he had never been as cold in all his life. A lover of horses, B.A., or "Hop" as he was known by his cutting horse friends, was the Secretary for the North Texas Cutting Horse Association from 1954 to 1977, and an announcer for the State Fair of Texas for over thirty years. As a lover of good bird dogs, he could train and handle dogs with the best of them. B.A. always enjoyed good music and dancing and was a long time patron of the Longhorn Ballroom in Dallas, having a reserved table at the edge of the dance floor for many years.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty June (Vance) Hopkins; his parents, and six brothers and sisters.

B.A. is survived by his son, Lawrence Hopkins and daughter-in-law Sheri; grandchildren Zack, Lindley ad Mary Kate; his brother Davis and wife Mary Lou; his special friend, Zella Nixon and numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral service was held on April 18, 23012 at 2:00 p.m. at Laurel Land Funeral Home in Dallas, Texas, with interment in Laurel Land Cemetery. Reverend Clay Hopkins officiated, assisted by John B. Hopkins.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.