Johnny Hawkins

Services for Johnny Hawkins, 83 of Tyler, will be held on Monday, November 25, 2013 at 10:00 AM at Stewart Family Funeral Home chapel with Dr. Doug Baker officiating. Mr. Hawkins passed away November 20, 2013 at his residence in Tyler. He was born October 18, 1930 in Nacogdoches to Russell David and Annie Jewel McClendon Hawkins. Johnny was a member of Marvin United Methodist Church. He graduated from Tyler High School, where he played center and linebacker for the ‘48-’49 football team. Upon graduation, Johnny entered the United States Army. He went on to serve our country during the Korean War, where he was wounded in battle on Heartbreak Ridge. He received two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart for his service. While stationed in California, he met and married the love of his life, Patricia Ann McNair in 1954. They moved back to Tyler where Johnny joined the Tyler Police Department, working the midnight shift while attending Tyler Junior College. Chief Butler said that Johnny was the first Tyler police officer to get a degree that wasn’t the third degree. After graduating from TJC, Johnny went to work for La Gloria for five years before joining Kelly-Springfield as a front-end mechanic. In 1972, he opened 5th Street Automotive where he and Pat proudly serviced many Tylerites until they retired in 2004. Johnny loved to spend quality time at the 5 G Hunting Club. Johnny was preceded in death by his parents and wife Patricia Ann Hawkins. He was also preceded by his sisters and brothers-in-law; Marjorie and Joe Roach, Melba and Bobby Paine; brothers and sisters-in-law; Russell and wives, Esther Moore Hawkins and Margaret Burt Hawkins, Leon Hawkins, sister-in-law, Colleen Hawkins, and cousin, Tommy Hawkins. He is survived by his loving family including his brother Jack Hawkins, sister Ann McGuire and he husband Joe, both of Tyler. Daughters Kathy Hawkins Wilkerson and husband Alan, Janice Hawkins Roy, and Judy Hawkins Holley and husband Kenneth; grandchildren, Heather Wilkerson Shuck, Jonathan Wilkerson, Whitney Holley and husband Cody, all of Tyler, Melissa Holley Bland and husband Cody of San Marcos, David Roy and Julia Roy both of Kingwood; great-grandchildren, Tanner Rodriguez Roy, Nolan Roy Currier, Rayleigh Holley, Kash Holley, Layton Bland, and Jagger Shuck. Johnny cherished his life-long friendships with Les Sulser and Leonard Leifer. He also enjoyed many fun times with a special group of high school classmates, who continue to gather together on Wednesday nights for dinner, as well as many Friday evenings at El Charro. Johnny was also a member of the Korean War Veterans Association where he continued to serve his community by playing taps at funerals and other events. Pallbearers will be Mike Rosenstein, Michael Bosworth, Cody Leifer, David Worsham, Danny Sulser, Trey Johnson and Eric Johnson. Honorary pallbearers will be Korean War Veterans Association. Visitation is scheduled from 2:00 – 4:00 PM on Sunday, November 24, 2013 at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, in Tyler. Services will be Monday, November 25, 2013 at Stewart Family Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Korean War Veterans Association, Marvin UMC TV Ministry or Hospice of East Texas.

Johnny Hawkins

October 18, 1930 - November 20, 2013