John Abner Hawkins

John Abner Hawkins

John Abner Hawkins, 83, of Lynchburg, died Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009. He was the husband of Natalie Joyce Plummer Hawkins for 60 years.

John was born Wednesday, March 10, 1926, in Greensboro, N.C., a son of the late Dr. John Abner Hawkins and Ann Lovelace Hawkins. He proudly served our country in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He was retired after 41 years from Bristol Steel & Iron Works, where he was a Civil Engineer and became Vice-President of Sales. He was a member of the Bristol Country Club in Bristol; Kiwanis Club; American Institute of Steel Contractors; the American Society of Civil Engineers; and Past Chairman of Virginia-Carolinas Structural Steel Fabricators Association.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Rebecca "Becky" Hawkins, and life partner, Jo Todd, of Coleman Falls; a brother-in-law, Jack Estlow of Danville; two nieces, Nina Estlow Taylor and husband, Claudie, of Roxboro, N.C., and Joyce Estlow Payne and husband, Jimmie, of Danville; a niece-in-law, Judith Estlow of Danville; and two beloved pets, Buddy and Weezer.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Anne Ruth Estlow, and a nephew, John Estlow.

Following retirement, John's hobby was traveling with his wife in their various motorcoaches throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. John and Natalie have cherished the many friendships formed over the years as they journeyed across the country with their fellow "RVers."

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 28, 2009, at Tharp Funeral Home. A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2009, at Tharp Funeral Home with the Rev. Nancy Purcell officiating. A private interment will follow in Fort Hill Memorial Park.

The family would like to offer sincere thanks to John's team of doctors at Lynchburg General Hospital and the nursing staff in Cardiac ICU for their expertise and loving care. Special thanks also go out to Chaplain Wayne Lanham and family friends Bernadette Ellis and Dorothy and Bob Ryan, who were present at his death.

Memorial contributions may be made to any chapter of The Salvation Army or the charity of your choice. Flowers would also be appreciated if that is your preference.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family, (434) 237-9424. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tharp

funeralhome.com.