Obituary for Gary Lee Hawkes
God in his infinite wisdom called Gary Lee Hawkes to eternal rest on Friday, February 4, 2022, at Johns-Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD.
Gary was born on July 27, 1959 in Richmond, VA to the late Lee Royal and Yvonne Hawkes. He joined Poplar Lawn Baptist Church at an early age where he was baptized and accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior.
Gary graduated from Bethel High School in Hampton, VA in 1977. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served for three years. Upon the end of his tour, Gary followed the footsteps of his father and started his career as a welder for Huntington Ingalls Industries at the Newport News Shipyard. In 2016 he retired after 40 years of service.
While living the “retirement life”, Gary became a frequent visitor at the local stores such as HomeGoods, At Home, TJ Max and Macys. Gary made the decision to embrace thriftiness as a lifestyle. He couldn’t resist the lure of a found treasure, so he often stopped at yard sales and thrift stores where he’d pick up that vase or painting you didn’t know you needed. Also, Gary enjoyed fishing, maintaining his yard, and watching the NFL Washington Football team.
Gary was a kind, considerate, warm, generous man who loved his family. He was the one who was “always there” showing up at practically every family function including birthdays, major accomplishments, anniversaries, holidays, etc. with a smile, thoughtful gift and a big hug that silently said “I love you”.
Gary leaves to cherish his memories: his loving sisters Chandra Clark (Michael Sr.) of Hampton, VA, Angelia Hawkes of Bristow, VA and Charlene Johnson (Lewis) of Blackstone, VA; a devoted partner David Hudson of Hampton, VA, five nephews Michael Clark, Jr., Durrell Hawkes, Darius Saunders, Brandon Saunders, Justin Saunders; three nieces Chantel Buffalow (Monta), Chanel Clark, Brianna Hawkes Thompson; one great nephew, MiKail Buffalow a.k.a. his "Lil Buddy”; two great nieces, Londyn Buffalow, Alyra Clark and God-son Kadeem Patterson; uncles Ralph Williams, Kermit Hawkes (Lucy), Alton Hawkes, Sr. Darrell Hawkes (Lisa), Clinton Hawkes, Ernest Hawkes, Macktoy Hawkes (Juanita); great aunts Alice Hawkes, Ethel Hobbs and Gloserine Bradsher; aunts Debbie Lee (James), Cathy Hawkes, Carrie Hawkes; a long-time friend who was like a sister Vera Ford; and a host of cousins; other relatives and friends.
Viewing Friday, February 11, 2022 from 12 to 7PM. Funeral Services Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 11:00AM at Poplar Lawn Baptist Church,, 465 Poplar Lawn Rd., Blackstone, VA 23824. Interment church cemetery.
W.E. Hawkes & Son Funeral Home of Blackstone in charge of arrangements.
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Gary was born on July 27, 1959 in Richmond, VA to the late Lee Royal and Yvonne Hawkes. He joined Poplar Lawn Baptist Church at an early age where he was baptized and accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior.
Gary graduated from Bethel High School in Hampton, VA in 1977. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served for three years. Upon the end of his tour, Gary followed the footsteps of his father and started his career as a welder for Huntington Ingalls Industries at the Newport News Shipyard. In 2016 he retired after 40 years of service.
While living the “retirement life”, Gary became a frequent visitor at the local stores such as HomeGoods, At Home, TJ Max and Macys. Gary made the decision to embrace thriftiness as a lifestyle. He couldn’t resist the lure of a found treasure, so he often stopped at yard sales and thrift stores where he’d pick up that vase or painting you didn’t know you needed. Also, Gary enjoyed fishing, maintaining his yard, and watching the NFL Washington Football team.
Gary was a kind, considerate, warm, generous man who loved his family. He was the one who was “always there” showing up at practically every family function including birthdays, major accomplishments, anniversaries, holidays, etc. with a smile, thoughtful gift and a big hug that silently said “I love you”.
Gary leaves to cherish his memories: his loving sisters Chandra Clark (Michael Sr.) of Hampton, VA, Angelia Hawkes of Bristow, VA and Charlene Johnson (Lewis) of Blackstone, VA; a devoted partner David Hudson of Hampton, VA, five nephews Michael Clark, Jr., Durrell Hawkes, Darius Saunders, Brandon Saunders, Justin Saunders; three nieces Chantel Buffalow (Monta), Chanel Clark, Brianna Hawkes Thompson; one great nephew, MiKail Buffalow a.k.a. his "Lil Buddy”; two great nieces, Londyn Buffalow, Alyra Clark and God-son Kadeem Patterson; uncles Ralph Williams, Kermit Hawkes (Lucy), Alton Hawkes, Sr. Darrell Hawkes (Lisa), Clinton Hawkes, Ernest Hawkes, Macktoy Hawkes (Juanita); great aunts Alice Hawkes, Ethel Hobbs and Gloserine Bradsher; aunts Debbie Lee (James), Cathy Hawkes, Carrie Hawkes; a long-time friend who was like a sister Vera Ford; and a host of cousins; other relatives and friends.
Viewing Friday, February 11, 2022 from 12 to 7PM. Funeral Services Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 11:00AM at Poplar Lawn Baptist Church,, 465 Poplar Lawn Rd., Blackstone, VA 23824. Interment church cemetery.
W.E. Hawkes & Son Funeral Home of Blackstone in charge of arrangements.
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