Rufus D. Hawkins Sr.

Mr. Rufus Josh Douglas Hawkins, Sr. was the oldest son of Mr. Josh and Mrs. Bertha Cummings Hawkins. He was born July 1, 1928 in Florence County, South Carolina. He answered his call on February 20, 2015. As a young boy, Rufus acquired the nickname "Hoover" because of his conservative (stingy) ways. He attended Longbranch Elementary School and Wilson High School, where he was very active on the football and basketball teams. He was a proud graduate of the class of 1946 and served as President of his alumni class for over 30 years. After high school, Rufus continued his education and graduated from Morris College with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He also served as President of the Florence County Morris College Alumni Association. Rufus served in the United States Army and received an honorable discharge. At an early age, he joined Meadow Prong Baptist Church and served in many capacities. As an adult, he was ordained as a deacon. He was a member of Meadow Prong Masonic Lodge #346 for over 50 years, serving as the Past Secretary. He was also a Past Patron of Beacon Light Chapter #230, Order of Eastern Stars. Upon graduation from Morris College, Rufus taught at Longbranch Elementary and Wilson High School. He joined the staff of Ideal Funeral Parlor in the early 1950's and assumed management in 1961. He was involved in the three stages of development: Mullins Street, Cheves Street and present Darlington Street. Rufus was a member of the 6th District and South Carolina Morticians Association; serving as a Past Governor of the 6th District and Secretary of the State for a number of years. He believed in encouraging younger funeral directors into the industry, and as a result of this belief, many of his younger colleagues considered him their mentor and or "father in the industry." He believed in service and gave to the community, serving as a member of the NAACP, Oddfellows, as well as other organizations. Rufus was a vegetable farmer and an avid fisherman. During the spring and summer, he could be found on the tractor or at the barn. Rufus had a love for animals; his chickens, pigs and cow kept his days full of activity. What he believed, he believed wholeheartedly and changing his mind was not an easy task. He taught you to meet your obstacles head on and everything would work out. Rufus had a story or a joke that correlated with every occasion to help you see things clearer. He had a special affinity for vocabulary. He could use a word and make it work or he would make up a word. He knew his family and yours as well, and he had a way of doing things that was just his own. Rufus was married to the former Ruth M. Johnson, for over 63 years. She preceded him in death in January 2014. He was also predeceased by his grandson, Jeremiah Adoni Kennedy; his parents; two sisters, Dorothy H. Rogers and Hazel H. Bartell; one brother, Foster Cummings; and a "special family member," Leroy Johnson. Survivors include: four children and their respective spouses, R. Douglas Hawkins and Mary F. Hawkins, Anniedale H. Brown and Nikita D. Brown, Ruthene Kennedy and Joe A. Kennedy, Cecelia D. Harley and Mark Harley; six grandchildren, Douglas Jamal Hawkins, Clayton Joshua Hawkins, Marcel Serenity Harley, Marjorie Jalene Kennedy, Imani Adayah Monya Harley, and Joshua A. Kennedy; two great grandchildren, Kamori Jamal Hawkins and Cayden Joshua Hawkins; two brothers and their spouses, Whiteford "Pete" Hawkins and Frances G. Hawkins, Robert Hawkins and Della Hawkins; one aunt, Alvenia "Sal" Nowlin,; three sisters-in-law, Frances J. Perkins and her husband, Gene Perkins, and Navonia A. Johnson and Vivian Hyman; special relatives, Amelia Johnson, Peggy Beauford, Geraldine Brewington, Billy Jackson, Audrey Rush, Flora Brown, Abram, Kenyetta Autum and Kaylb Sanders and Mekella, Kayson and Rosie Kennedy; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.