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BORN

1943

DIED

2016

LARRY HAWKINS Obituary

HAWKINS, LARRY, The Honorable Larry Hawkins, Florida State Representative and Dade County Commissioner, entered this world on April 21, 1943 in Detroit, Michigan, the only son of Roy and Carolyn Hawkins. He departed this life on December 29, 2016, overcome by complications associated with his war injuries. Hawkins was a true patriot. When he graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1966, the war was escalating. He believed his country needed him and he joined the United States Army. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1967, he was dispatched to Vietnam. As part of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, he suffered paralyzing wounds from a mortar round during the Tet Offensive of 1968. Hawkins was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star with a V for Valor and subsequently was medically retired from the Army. Hawkins earned his Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University Law School in Detroit, Michigan. Despite his significant disabilities (he remained a paraplegic) you could not keep Larry from an active, productive life. Tropical weather and flat terrain drew Hawkins to Florida. His keen intellect and sharp wit made him an effective advocate for veterans in Tallahassee. The House leadership encouraged him to run for office. He served four terms (1978-1986) in the Florida House of Representatives, where he chaired the Veterans Affairs Committee. Later, he was elected Dade County Commissioner (1988-1994) and was admired for his successful efforts to help the greater Miami community, especially during the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew. Hawkins served on the board of the Vietnam Veterans of America and had an impressive network of friends across the nation. He understood politics and governance, and fought for noble causes throughout his life. While on the County Commission, he quietly secured millions of dollars for Jackson Memorial Hospital and the Dade County Public Schools to assist with the influx of Haitian immigrants, working in partnership with a fellow Vietnam veteran, US Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa. Hawkins was always a friend of organized labor, an advisor to the IBEW and stalwart supporter of the Democratic Party. His later years were dedicated to the well-being of his beloved grandchildren, Samantha Kelly Hawkins Auricchio and PFC Alexander Lawrence Hawkins, US Army. He is also survived by his sisters, Peggy Hawkins (Kenneth Emigholz, husband) and Mary (Ted) Davis, nephew, Major Michael Hawkins Davis, US Army, and niece, Bryn Hemsley Masiuk. He will be missed by his extended family, Patricia Varone, and his stepson Patrick Varone, as well as many great nieces and nephews and many many good friends. Hawkins was predeceased by his son, Lawrence Richard Hawkins II. There will be no local services. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Paralyzed Veterans of America or the Disabled American Veterans. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Miami Herald on Jan. 4, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for LARRY HAWKINS

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He was more than a just a grandfather. He was my mentor, friend, voice inside my head telling me to do the right thing. I love and miss him every day.

Alexander Hawkins

April 30, 2017

RONALD ERRAIR

January 24, 2017

LARRY AND I DOUBLED DATED TO SENIOR PROM IN HIGH SCHOOL, HOPE I NEVER FORGET !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!R.I.P. BUD ............

David Court

January 22, 2017

I was Larry's college buddy. What a wonderful and fun guy. The world will truly miss him. David 'Soupy' Court. Atlanta

Katie Moore, Schneider

January 21, 2017

Larry was one of my best friends in College. He and I along with Jon-Jon made a cross country trip from Michigan to California. Those experiences I have carried with me through my lifetime. I fortunately saw Larry three years ago and we visited his club and had a fantastic remembrance session. His smile was infectious. He will always have a place in my heart.

terri wlachin

January 18, 2017

I know Larry only though the eyes of his sister Peggy, who loved him dearly. I remain grateful that such a man served his country so well and was so sorry to hear of his passing.

Terry Murphy

January 9, 2017

Larry Hawkins fostered my love of public service; he was my mentor, sage and counselor. His love of country (48 years in a wheelchair without complaint) and contributions to our community are legend. When he was a county commissioner, I was his executive assistant. He taught me political science, the art of negotiation, the joy of living, and how to see past even the most enduring obstacles. I will always be indebted to and will forever miss my dear friend, Larry.

Nino Pernetti

January 5, 2017

It is very sad to see Larry gone....We at Caffe Abbracci in Coral Gables, have the priviledge of knowing and served this noble patriot for many years....where he and his friends enjoyed many Fridays with friends at lunchtime......he had the most honest and quiet smile ever.....we will miss him rest in peace veteran.....thank you for the good things you did for our country and our community....From the Family of Caffe Abbracci.


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Richard Gardner

January 5, 2017

I met Larry on several occasions to discuss local and state political issues and always found him to be open minded and considerate of others. RIP Larry

David Weaver

January 5, 2017

I am so sorry to hear of Larry's passing. We worked closely for many years at the Dade County Commission...and then were friends as neighbors at Deering Bay. We chatted only a month ago in the dining room and reminisced about our past endeavors and challenges. I always admired him and will miss him...very much.

David Weaver

January 4, 2017

Whenever we saw Larry he always had a warm and friendly hello. We will miss seeing his pleasant smile. Larry will be remembered as a good-natured and friendly neighbor at Deering Bay.
Our sincere condolences to his family.
Jane & Bob Salzman

January 4, 2017

My condolences to Larry's family.
Geri Brodie , neighbor in Deering Bay

Nancy Mauzy

January 4, 2017

Thoughts and prayers.

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results

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