Opie served in te US Army in Vietnam from 1969 to 1971. Upon returning to the states, he was a truck driver for Pepsi for many years. He then turned his attention to the rails. He was a conductor for Union Pacific Railroad until he retired. Opie loved to sing and had a great voice. His favorite song was "House of the Rising Sun". His daughter Dana also convinced him to sing "Unchained Melody" at her wedding, although he was nervous and needed a beer to calm him down. He was a great dancer and, a great cook. He was also a wonderful husband.