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Dr. R. Ray Hawkins

1931 - 2019

Dr.  R. Ray Hawkins obituary, 1931-2019, Indianapolis, IN

R. Hawkins Obituary

Dr. R. Ray Hawkins

Indianapolis - Dr. R. Ray Hawkins, 88, of Indianapolis, recently of Carmel, IN died on June 18, 2019. He was born in Terre Haute, Indiana on April 15, 1931 to Harold and Violet Hawkins. Ray is survived by his wife of 58 years, Suzanne (Barclay), his two sons: James Hawkins (Christine) and John Hawkins (Christy) and eight grandchildren who will miss grandpa dearly: Will, Shannon, Rachel, Katherine (Jim) and Jack, Elizabeth, Joseph, and Michael (John).

Ray served his country as an Airman in the United States Air Force. Stationed at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, Ray rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant working in the Statistical Services Division and was honorably discharged in 1959 to further pursue his post-secondary education.

Ray held a doctoral degree in Psychology from Indiana University as well as degrees and certificates from Indiana State University, Butler University, and Purdue University. Prior to earning his Ph.D., Ray was a dedicated teacher and department head at Manual High School in Indianapolis where he met his beloved wife. After earning his Master's degree in education, he became an adjunct professor in the School of Business at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis and directed the Counseling and Placement Center. In 1979, Ray left the world of education to join Eli Lilly and Company as a staff psychologist. During his 20-year career with Eli Lilly, he served as Senior Personnel Advisor to the executive staff, practiced psychology in the Lilly Employee Health Service Centers and ultimately served as the Director of Psychological Services. He retired in 1999.

Dr. Hawkins also lent his skills and outgoing personality to the Indiana Pacers as a staff doctor for 17 years, providing sports psychology and family counseling to the players and coaches and personality assessments for potential draft picks. He spent time working with the Indianapolis Colts in a similar capacity.

After he retired, Dr. Hawkins was very active in his community. He served on the Indiana State Board of Examiners in Psychology and served on the boards of the Indiana Historical Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, Jameson Camp, and Goodwill Industries. Ray was an active member in the Indianapolis Literary Club, the University Club, the Columbia Club, Downtown Kiwanis, the Economic Club of Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Athletic Club, and the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce.

Ray was a Pacers and Colts season ticket holder and an ardent sports fan. He was a devoted member of Second Presbyterian Church, and he shared his knowledge and talents generously. Ray never met a stranger and was miraculously prepared to share a lecture about any topic or helpful advice at a moment's notice. Throughout his working years and retirement, Ray enjoyed gardening, reading, spending time on the beach in Siesta Key, FL and being surrounded by his family.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 24th beginning at 11:00 am at Flanner Buchanan - Carmel, 325 East Carmel Drive. A celebration of Ray's life will follow the visitation at 1:00 pm. There will be a graveside service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana or the Indiana Historical Society.

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

Published by The Indianapolis Star on Jun. 21, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for R. Hawkins

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6 Entries

bob barns

September 26, 2019

Jeremiah 29:11

Joe Kelley

June 22, 2019

I worked briefly with Dr. Hawkins at IUPUI; he was a friendly gentleman who helped a lot of people. Godspeed, sir.

Bill Reid

June 21, 2019

Ray was a good and compassionate man. He was very kind to me during our days together at Lilly. May he rest in peace.

Bob Foley

June 21, 2019

I knew him as Mr. Hawkins at Manual. When I was a lowly freshman, he was the sponsor of the debate club and he took myself and three other freshmen to various speaking opportunities on the southside of Indianapolis. He was a kind and compassionate man who could get the best from someone without them feeling pressured. Rest in peace, sir. You have earned your spot in heaven.

June 21, 2019

I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Ray's family, sorry for your loss. Jeremiah 29:11, 12 assures us that God is thinking thoughts of peace towards us, to give us a future and a hope, and that if we come and pray to Him, He will listen to us. May that bring you comfort in this time of sorrow.

Chris Thompson

June 20, 2019

I loved Ray Hawkins! He helped me greatly when I was having a difficult time with my supervisor at Lilly. He quickly realized what was going on, and helped me get out of that situation and into a new field, where I could thrive. He was so trustworthy. I credit him with giving me a new start, apart from toxic personalities. Thank you, thank you, Dr. Ray!

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Memorial Events
for R. Hawkins

Jun

24

Visitation

11:00 a.m.

Flanner Buchanan - Carmel

325 E Carmel Dr, Carmel, IN 46032

Jun

24

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m.

Flanner Buchanan - Carmel

325 E Carmel Dr, Carmel, IN 46032

Funeral services provided by:

Flanner Buchanan - Carmel

325 E Carmel Dr, Carmel, IN 46032

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