Sam Hawkins

Sam Wilson Hawkins was born to Doyle A. Hawkins and Thelma Wilson on 13 July 1933 in Kirbyville, Texas. He died on July 27, 2013 at 10:40 p.m.

Hawkins attended the Kirbyville schools and graduated in 1950. He was a graduate of the University of Texas and Harvard University. He spent a life time career in public education, teaching in the public schools and San Jacinto College for 40 years. Hawkins considered himself as first, foremost and always a teacher. He was more at home in front of a class than anywhere else. He retired in 1994 after being named a Minnie Stevens Piper Professor the highest honor in Texas Higher Education.

Hawkins loved and served this country but never wore his patriotism on his sleeve nor made a big issue of it. This was demonstrated in his service from 1955 to 1957 in the Third Armored Division, the first division to penetrate Germany in World War II, as it was reactivated to return to Germany. He often grieved over policy decisions made by the leaders of this country and hoped they would be corrected but lived by the philosophy: My country, right or wrong, my country.

He was active in the community affairs serving in various capacities. Among which were Pasadena ISD Board of Trustees, College Committees, Pasadena Charter Revision Commission, Huntsville Friends of the Library Pasadena and Huntsville, Retired Teachers Association, PARSE, Democratic Party, and First United Methodist Church of Pasadena.

Hawkins was fiercely loyal to his friends and colleagues. He was often quoted as saying: "If friends and family were a measure of wealth then I am the richest person in the world."

There were two groups that Hawkins had great fondness for: First, the 1950 graduating class of Kirbyville High School, Second, the 1961 graduating class of Deer Park High School. He often talked about both classes with much affection.

Predeceased by his parents, Hawkins is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Patricia Ann, son, Malcolm Hawkins and children Jack and Anna, daughter Melissa Pierce and husband Larry and children, Coleman, Samantha, Taylor and Tyler, a sister, Ann Propst and husband Bob and family; a brother, Doyle and wife Kathleen and families, and brother-in-law Randal Chance, aunt, Billie Nowlin, five nieces and three nephews and numerous cousins.

In addition to the family, Hawkins is survived by a host of friends, his greatest treasure, and hundreds of former students in which he had the deepest affection and pride.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, August 1, 2013 at Grand View Funeral Home, 8501 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, TX 77505. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, August 2, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Pasadena, 1062 Fairmont Pkwy, Pasadena, TX 77505, Rev. Kelly Sullivan will be officiating. Burial and graveside services will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at Kirbyville Cemetery, Kirbyville, Texas.

In lieu of the usual floral remembrances, Hawkins suggested a more lasting memorial - a donation to your favorite library - church, school, public - in his memory or by taking a teacher to lunch and telling him/her how much they are appreciated. A book is like a friend which can be shared and enjoyed by many and are permanent. An alternative suggestion is The Smile Train, P.O. Box 9121, Washington, D.C. 20090-6211. Condolences may be shared at www.grandviewfunerals.com.