William Lee Hawkins Sr.

William Lee Hawkins, Sr., devoted husband to Clarice Hawkins, loving father to children, Rita, Lavonne, and William Jr, proud grandfather to Allegra, Darius, Alexis, Jonathan, Isha, Kenneth, Russell, Alana, and adoring great-grandfather to Parker, transitioned from labor to reward on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital in Ahoskie, North Carolina. William was born in Jackson, North Carolina on March 2, 1937, to the late Robert Sr. and Virgie Lee Boone Hawkins. He attended St. John AME Church and was educated in the Northampton County School System at Willis Hare High School. William enlisted in the US Air Force after graduating and was stationed at Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee, Massachusetts, where he served admirably during his four years of service as an airplane mechanic. After an honorable discharge from the US Air Force, William leveraged his mechanical skills into a lengthy career as an auto mechanic at Pope Motors in Rich Square. An avid supporter of the importance of education, William enrolled in college at Paul D. Camp Community College as an adult learner and earned an associate’s degree in auto mechanics. Upon retiring from Pope Motors as the service manager, William opened his own business, Hawkins Auto Service in Murfreesboro. He loved being a business owner and fellowshipping with customers who would come from multiple counties for "Hawk" to work on their vehicles. In the community, William served as a trustee at Nebo Baptist Church for several years. He was a Past Master of the Leigh Beauty Lodge #58, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of NC in Woodland. He enjoyed the brotherhood, community, leadership, social, and philanthropic activities through the organization. Even as his declining health and increasing age limited his ability to participate, he embraced the role of guiding the younger men. William is survived by his wife of 62 years Clarice Parker Hawkins, children Dr. Willa Merita Hawkins Jerman (Ronald), Millicent Lavonne Hawkins Williams (Gregory) and William Lee Hawkins, Jr. (Ivori), grandchildren, Allegra Jerman Butler (Jerel), Darius Jerman, Alexis Williams, Jonathan Williams, Isha Hawkins, Kenneth Williams, Russell Hawkins, Alana Williams, and one great-granddaughter Parker Rose Butler and sisters Dr. Jeanette H. Evans (Charles) and Maxine H. Reid (Johnny). William was preceded in death by his sister Carol-Ann Heyward followed by his brothers Robert Hawkins and Jerry Hawkins. William enjoyed a full and loving circle of brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. The family requests that you treasure your memories of William and his welcoming smile. We will remember his twinkling eyes, love for family, and easy-going spirit. It is well with our souls with the assurance that he is now at rest in the arms of our Master, Lord, and Savior.

William Lee Hawkins Sr.

March 2, 1937 - February 1, 2023