Whitey Hawkins

Lenoir – James “Whitey” Keyner Hawkins, age 91, passed away on Sunday, July 10, 2016 at Caldwell Hospice Robbins Center. He was born in Caldwell County on November 21, 1924 to the late Granville L. Hawkins and Hattie Hall Hawkins. He was married for 67 years to Thelma Griffin Hawkins of the residence. Whitey grew up in Buffalo Cove and he was a graduate of Happy Valley High School at age 16. Shortly after graduation he joined the CCC Camp in Buffalo Cove. He later enlisted in the U.S. Marines but had to stay in the barracks for a week until he turned 18. He was a very proud Marine, serving during WW II in the South Pacific as a tail gunner. More than 60 years ago he founded Western Electronics Company, 2 –way radio service. At the time this was only one of three companies in North Carolina. He served on the Board of the former Bank of Granite; past member of Lenoir Exchange Club; Lenoir Investment Club; the Hudson Lion’s Club; and Lenoir Aviation Club. He was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church where he served on the Church Council and was a Sunday School teacher. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Educational Building. His hobbies included HAM radio operator, W4EZX; he was an avid golfer and a member of Cedar Rock County Club for 40 years. He also enjoyed photography and computers. Whitey’s favorite quote, which he will always be remembered by, was “I complained ‘cause I had no shoes until I met a man that had no feet.” In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, Ted Hawkins. Other than his wife he is survived by his children, James “Jim” Hawkins and wife, Cheryl of St. Augustine, FL and Ann Hawkins Gilley and husband, Graham of Lenoir; brother, William “Bill” Hawkins and wife, Peggy of Hudson; sister, Betty Gentry and husband, Demmest of Lenoir; grandchildren, Michelle Hawkins of Charlotte and Ethan Gilley of Hudson; and numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of life memorial service for Whitey will be held for family and friends at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Caldwell Hospice, 902 Kirkwood Street, Lenoir, NC 28645 or St. John’s Lutheran Church, 352 Central Street, Hudson, NC 28638. Online condolences may be sent to the Hawkins family at www.evansfuneralservice.com Evans Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the Hawkins Family.