Tebee Padgett Hawkins

Tebee Padgett Hawkins
Tebee Padgett Hawkins, 93, of Charlotte, NC, died Sunday, March 27, 2011 at Presbyterian Hospital after a brief illness. Born on December 28, 1917 in Atlanta, GA, Mr. Hawkins was predeceased by his wife Dorothy 'Dot' Smith Hawkins.
He is survived by his four sons and daughters-in-law, Steve and Jean Hawkins of Chattanooga, TN, David and Christy Hawkins of Jacksonville, FL, George and Mary Janet Hawkins, and Tom and Rena Hawkins, all of Charlotte, NC; 7 granddaughters, 1 grandson; exchange student Christer Svensson of Stockholm, Sweden; and many friends.
Tebee was a 1940 graduate of Clemson University with a degree in Architecture. While at Clemson, he played saxophone in the Jungaleers 'swing' band, and prior to his death, was the oldest remaining member of the group, taking great joy in attending the group's annual reunions. Tebee's love of music began in high school in Hickory, NC, where he joined his first swing band - Early Bird Aiken and the Moonglow Melodies - making a live appearance on a local radio station. He later played in the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra as a volunteer member.
Upon graduation from Clemson in 1940, Tebee was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army and served in the Pacific Theater, including the Fiji Islands and Guadalcanal. At the conclusion of the war, Tebee returned and married Dorothy Smith.
The couple then moved to Charlotte, where Tebee began his architecture career at Marsh Associates, later becoming Marsh & Hawkins, and then ultimately Hawkins-Kibler Associates, where he practiced until his retirement. His years as a Charlotte architect were a time of rapid growth for the city, with Tebee designing many churches (e.g., Myers Park Baptist, Providence Baptist, Providence Methodist), municipal buildings (e.g., Myers Park Branch library, Independence High School, East Mecklenburg High School), and homes, as well as the Southminster Retirement Community, winning numerous regional and national awards. During his career, Tebee was an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), serving as the 1978 North Carolina AIA president.
Tebee believed deeply in service to his community, his country and his church, serving as president of the Charlotte Rotary Club, and as a deacon at the Myers Park Baptist Church. He continued his service to his country in the United States Army Reserve, attaining the rank of Colonel before retiring. Later in life, he and wife Dot volunteered in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, at local food banks, and in numerous other projects. He was an avid golfer, enjoying the fellowship of many friends at the Myers Park Country Club.
All of the previous achievements, while remarkable, did not fully define the essence of Tebee's life. His devotion and commitment to his wife, family and faith, and his absolute integrity were at the core of who he was. Raising four sons, he and wife Dot were loving, wonderful parents. From the late 1990s and up to Dot's death in 2007, Tebee served as her loving and devoted caregiver, as she suffered from Alzheimer's disease.
After Dot's death in 2007, and with failing eyesight and hearing, Tebee steadfastly remained active and independent. He kept a weekly workout regime, and reveled in getting together weekly with his grandchildren and family for lunch, going to annual Jungaleer reunions, and attending church and other family activities. Tebee remained independent to the end, with support from family and from caregivers, most notably Evelyn Nivens, of Charlotte, NC.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 1, 2011 at Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte. The family will receive friends following the service in Heaton Hall.
Memorials may be made to Urban Ministry Center in Charlotte.
Condolences can also be expressed at www.harryandbryantfuneralhome.com.
Harry and Bryant Company is serving the Hawkins family.