MOUNT HOLLY - Bruce Hugh Hawkins Jr. of Jonesboro, TN, formerly of Mount Holly, NC. Hugh passed away unexpectedly on January 28, 2010, in Asheville, NC.
He was born in Bryson City, NC on July 5, 1960. He attended Appalachian State University and was a graduate of Gardner-Webb College. He was a resident of New York City for 10 years and was employed in the photography industry before returning to North Carolina and Tennessee.
He was employed by Sultan Healthcare of New Jersey for the past 10 years as a Regional Sales Manager, where he set records three years in a row as Salesman of the Year. While in New York, he served as a deacon at First Presbyterian Church on Fifth Avenue.
He is a member of Grassy Creek Baptist Church in Spruce Pine, NC. Hugh grew up in Mount Holly, where he was active in boy scouts, swimming, coaching swimming and was a member of First Baptist Church, Mount Holly. He was a graduate of East Gaston High School, class of 1979. He had a love of photography, nature, family, and was very proud of his Cherokee heritage and was a member of the tribe of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
He was a devoted husband, father, son and brother and is survived by his wife, Vanessa Allen Hawkins, daughters, Allison Hawkins of Johnson City TN, Ashley Burleson and husband Nathan of Greensboro, NC. His parents, Dr. Bruce and Betty Hawkins of Spruce Pine, NC and in-laws Mr. Dennis and Phyllis Allen of Spruce Pine. A sister Deb McManus and husband Dr. Keith McManus and daughters Ashley and Chelsea of Siler City, NC. Brothers Douglas Hawkins and wife Susan, daughters Haley and Caroline of Stanley, NC. Roger Hawkins and wife Denise, sons Huntington, Tanner, and River of Mount Holly, NC.
He was preceded in death by grandparents Herbert and Delilah Hawkins of Mars Hill, NC, and Leonard and Carrie Lambert of Cherokee, NC.
Pall Bearers serving Mr. Hawkins will be Scott Griffin of Mount Holly, NC, Scott Farmer of Gastonia, NC, Mark McIntosh of Gastonia, NC, Steve Schneider of Fort Worth, TX, Darren Dupree of Tampa, FL, David Jones of Mount Holly, NC and Russell Randolph of Birmingham, AL. Honorary Pall Bearers are Huntington Hawkins, Tanner Hawkins and River Hawkins.
The family will receive friends on Monday, Feb. 1 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 2 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Mount Holly with Rev. Kendell Cameron and Rev. Sibbald Lambert officiating.
Burial will be at 3:30 pm at Grassy Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, Spruce Pine, NC.
Memorials can be made to the Boy Scouts of America, P.O. Box 152079, Irving, Tx 75015-2079,
American Heart Association , 7272 Greenville Ave. Dallas, TX 75231, and First Baptist Church of Mount Holly, 300 S. Main, Mt. Holly, NC 28120.
Hugh's laughter, smile, and warm affection will be greatly missed by his family and friends across the United States.
Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly is serving the family of Mr. Hawkins.
Condolence messages may be sent to the family at
www.woodlawnfuneral.com.
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Belinda Brown (Walker)
I’m so sorry for your loss. Please know that I am thinking of your family. I did get a chance to speak to Hugh at the 25th Reunion and spent most of the time talking about how life was and the old times at East Gaston.Rebecca Roberts (Alley)
I have been praying for your family. Hugh was such a nice guy with a great smile. He will be missed by many.Kim Randolph (Rivera)
Hugh was one of those rare guys who genuinely loved everybody and everybody loved him. He touched so many lives along the way, and especially me. I am blessed to have known him and have many great memories from elementary school through our years at Gardner-Webb College. I am truly sorry for your loss and hope the scripture below will help bring comfort in the days ahead.The Lord is my rock,
and my fortress, and my deliverer;
my God, my strength, in whom I take refuge;
my shield, and the horn of my salvation,
and my high tower.
Psalm 18:2
Russell Randolph
To have known Hugh was to love Hugh. What a unique individual! I first met him in the late 1960's and counted him as a close friend and confidant for over 40 years. I have so many fond memories of our time spent hanging out at the Mt. Holly pool, our playing days on the junior high football team, summer camp and our five-year stint with Mr. Griffin's Boy Scout Troop 12. We remained close into high school and on into our adult years. Even if we went for a year or two without seeing each other, we always picked right back off where we left off. To say I was shocked and devastated by the news of his death is an understatement. But as I participated in his funeral yesterday, I realized that Hugh's influence on my life will always be there. I'll miss his smile and quirky humor. But really, all I have to do is close my eyes and "ponder" our friendship in my heart (as Scott Griffin so eloquently expressed in his Eulogy for Hugh) and Hugh is right back with me. I'll look forward to seeing this guy again in heaven. Something tells me he'll be there to greet me with that goofy smile and silly laugh.
Mary Lynne Rhyne (Cloninger)
I don’t think I’ve ever attended a funeral service that more fully filled the room with the spirit of the loved one. In every word spoken and the beautiful music, the room was filled with Hugh. Tears mixed with smiles as the men who spoke described Hugh the boy, the man, and now the companion of Jesus. It was a blessing to have known Hugh in high school, and I’m sorry I didn’t know him better as the wonderful man his dearest friends knew well. In high school I remember Hugh was always so kind-hearted and a really fun person to be around. I grieve the loss of a high school band buddy and good friend, but also I’m grieving the lost opportunity of missing his years since we graduated. I wish for his family and his “best buds,” who will all miss him so deeply, God’s love and peace. Thank you, Hugh, for being Hugh.Alan Lewis
Family and Friends,Hugh was a kind and decent man. His untimely passing was both a shock and a reminder that we are all here on God's time, not ours. Reading about his life was inspirational. Church and family seemed to dominate ..... what better life can be lived? I regret being out of town for the services, but please know that my prayers are with you during your time of grief.
Alan Lewis
Linda Clippard (Walker)
My heart is heavy with the sadness of Hugh's death but it is also filled with a thankfulness that I was fortunate to share some time with Hugh during our lives. I have very fond memories of high school with Hugh in band and in other classes. What a great, warm, friendly guy he was and always had a quick smile. Although I lost touch with Hugh after graduation, I was always very happy to see him at reunions. As I looked back at his profile picture of us at breakfast after our 25 year reunion, I feel very lucky that I had that last chance to visit and laugh and smile with such a dear person and to call him my friend. I pray that God's comfort is surrounding you as you are trying to adjust to life without him. With my sincere sympathy, Linda Clippard WalkerRoger Hawkins
On behalf of our family, I thank each of you for your comments and memories of my brother. Hugh loved being a part of your class and cared for so many of you.Our hearts remain broken a month after we said our goodbyes just hoping that the next day will be easier. Some are, and some are not. We have lost a very special part of our lives and we are forever changed.
We truly appreciate your prayers as we move forward and we thank you so much for honoring and remembering Hugh on your site. He would have been very touched, as we are.
Roger Hawkins
Tammy Smith (Snipes)
It is with great sadness that I just recently found out of Hugh's death...I remember him fondly while we were in school...I have great memories of him...We went to school together at Mt. Holly Elem which later became Ida Rankin Elem...and later at East Gaston...He was such a joy to be around...I will not mourn for his death because I know that He is in Heaven with the Lord. My prayers do go out to all of his family...
Russell Randolph
From: vince fletcher
Email: vicentephotography@hotmail.com
Dear webmaster for the Class of 79....I worked with Hugh Hawkins in the New York city camera industry at two different locations. I lost touch and I've been looking for him for a while. Would you relay to his family and DR Hawkins who did some dental work for me while I was in North Carolina, that the news of his death deeply saddens me. Hugh was a awesome guy that left a positive mark in my life. We were from different walks of life - I'm from the Caribbean (Panama ), but we became great friends. He was a mentor to me in my first job in the photo industry. Hugh was well known and loved in new york city. I'll nevery forget him. Vince Fletcher