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BORN
1934
DIED
2025
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Howard Hawkins Death Notices
Howard Leland Hawkins, born on August 10, 1934, departed this life on January 9, 2025, at the age of 90.
Howard was the devoted husband of Joan Davis Hawkins married April 17, 1999 and a loving father to his daughters Jennifer Johnson (Floyd) Acworth, GA, Dede Beneke (Eldy) of Sedalia, MO, Angela Hawkins of Waco, GA, and Amy Hawkins Tehachapi, CA.
He was preceded in death by daughters Gwynne Ratliff and Wendy Hawkins. Howard is also remembered by his surviving brother David Hawkins (Marsha) of Collinsville, IL.
He was preceded in death by his siblings, Dorothy, Raymond, Harold, Margaret and Lenny. He shared a special bond with Joan's children, Michael Davis (Heidi) and April Davis Shamoun (Jimmy), as well as her grandchildren Ethan and Gabriel. His legacy lives on through five grandchildren, Chasity, Melanie (Steven), Shana (Jim), Gentry, Tabatha (Sean) and Krista (Tim) and five great-grandchildren Des'Rea (Jacob), Carl, Braxton, Kadeyn and Jaxson and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who will forever cherish his memory.
Howard's life was marked by adventure and dedication. From his beginnings as a horse-riding farm boy, he went on to serve his country with pride in the United States Marine Corps and served in the Korean War. Following his military service, he pursued a distinguished career in aviation. Howard worked in air traffic control for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) before becoming a pilot for Flying Tigers Line and later Federal Express Airlines. Where he met his beautiful wife and struck up a conversation over their shared birthday. Even after retiring from commercial aviation, he returned to the FAA as a flight inspector, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to excellence in his field.
Howard was known for his generosity, sense of community and deepest respect for others. Whether fixing something as the neighborhood handyman or offering rides to neighbors & veterans, he was always ready to help. Together with Joan, he opened their home for gatherings and celebrations, creating cherished memories for family and friends alike. Howard loved traveling in his RV to places like Chicken, Alaska, or Pensacola, Florida, birdwatching along the way. He enjoyed spending time with loved ones over a good bottle of wine or a gin martini.
A private ceremony will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Fayette County Animal Rescue.
Arrangements entrusted to Family Funeral Care, 4925 Summer Avenue, Memphis, TN 38122.
May the memory of Howard Leland Hawkins bring comfort and inspiration to all who knew him.
Howard was the devoted husband of Joan Davis Hawkins married April 17, 1999 and a loving father to his daughters Jennifer Johnson (Floyd) Acworth, GA, Dede Beneke (Eldy) of Sedalia, MO, Angela Hawkins of Waco, GA, and Amy Hawkins Tehachapi, CA.
He was preceded in death by daughters Gwynne Ratliff and Wendy Hawkins. Howard is also remembered by his surviving brother David Hawkins (Marsha) of Collinsville, IL.
He was preceded in death by his siblings, Dorothy, Raymond, Harold, Margaret and Lenny. He shared a special bond with Joan's children, Michael Davis (Heidi) and April Davis Shamoun (Jimmy), as well as her grandchildren Ethan and Gabriel. His legacy lives on through five grandchildren, Chasity, Melanie (Steven), Shana (Jim), Gentry, Tabatha (Sean) and Krista (Tim) and five great-grandchildren Des'Rea (Jacob), Carl, Braxton, Kadeyn and Jaxson and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who will forever cherish his memory.
Howard's life was marked by adventure and dedication. From his beginnings as a horse-riding farm boy, he went on to serve his country with pride in the United States Marine Corps and served in the Korean War. Following his military service, he pursued a distinguished career in aviation. Howard worked in air traffic control for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) before becoming a pilot for Flying Tigers Line and later Federal Express Airlines. Where he met his beautiful wife and struck up a conversation over their shared birthday. Even after retiring from commercial aviation, he returned to the FAA as a flight inspector, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to excellence in his field.
Howard was known for his generosity, sense of community and deepest respect for others. Whether fixing something as the neighborhood handyman or offering rides to neighbors & veterans, he was always ready to help. Together with Joan, he opened their home for gatherings and celebrations, creating cherished memories for family and friends alike. Howard loved traveling in his RV to places like Chicken, Alaska, or Pensacola, Florida, birdwatching along the way. He enjoyed spending time with loved ones over a good bottle of wine or a gin martini.
A private ceremony will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Fayette County Animal Rescue.
Arrangements entrusted to Family Funeral Care, 4925 Summer Avenue, Memphis, TN 38122.
May the memory of Howard Leland Hawkins bring comfort and inspiration to all who knew him.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by The Connacht Tribune on Jan. 13, 2025.
Memories and Condolences
for Howard Hawkins
Sponsored by Family Funeral Care - Memphis.
2 Entries
Jill Hammond
January 15, 2025
Howard was a wonderful FAA OPS Safety Inspector... One of the best I had the pleasure of working with in my FAA Career at the MEM FSDO/FedEx CMO. He always had a smile, he was a positive person, & very kind. I loved his willingness to continue to learn & grow thru all of our technological changes in the FAA.
The Staff of Family Funeral Care Summer Avenue Chapel
January 13, 2025
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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