John Delon Hawkins

John Delon Hawkins stepped out of this present life at his home in Pleasant Gardens and into the presence of God Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at the age of 84.

Born April 6, 1937 in McDowell County to the late Delon Ewart Hawkins and Fannie Wilkerson Hawkins, John was president of Hawkins Lumber Company and a proud and devoted father, grandfather, and friend to many people.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 45 years, Doris Gibbs Hawkins; a son, Joey Hawkins, a sister, Mabel Hawkins Devinney, and an unnamed brother who died in infancy.

Left to cherish his memory and continue his legacy of Christian charity are a son, Rev. Steve Hawkins (Kristi) of Pleasant Gardens; daughter, Lisa Hawkins Crowell (Jeff) of Norcross, GA, and daughter, Leslie Hawkins of Asheville; grandchildren Courtney Crowell, Cody Crowell (Allie) and great-granddaughter, Indie Crowell and Brit Crowell, all of Atlanta, and Sawyer Hawkins and Cooper
Hawkins, both of Marion. Also surviving Mr. Hawkins are his beloved nephew and niece, Alan Devinney (Ann) and Celia Kaylor (Ron) and their families.

Mr. Hawkins attended Pleasant Gardens High School, Brevard College, and the University of Georgia-Athens. He was a member of Pleasant Gardens Baptist Church.

In addition to caring for his family, he enjoyed wildlife and nature, studying the Bible and American history, and travel, sharing many wonderful trips with his wife and family across the US and Europe over the years. He had particular compassion for children and those in need, and enjoyed the almost innumerable relationships he built with local people as he constructed hundreds of homes and sold building materials for more than fifty years.

The Hawkins family will receive friends at Beam Funeral Service, 2170 Rutherford Rd., Marion between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., Saturday, April 02, 2022, followed by a brief memorial service at 12:00.

Friends wishing to share a lasting memorial are encouraged to consider a contribution to help disadvantaged children have a brighter future through Smile Train (smiletrain.org), a cause dear to John’s heart for many years.

The Hawkins family wishes to express special appreciation for Dr. Mark Burton, Ann-Marie Hammond, FNP and staff at UNC Health-Marion, and for CarePartners Home Health Services, McDowell EMS and members of Pleasant Gardens Fire Department, all of whom provided our father with excellent care that allowed him to remain at home, surrounded by the people and the land he loved.