Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, August 4, 1994 TAG: 9408040086
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LISA APPLEGATE
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Hawkins was born in Goode, but moved to Roanoke with his family when he was 12 years old.
He began his working career as a newspaper carrier, earning 1 cent for each paper he delivered. Hawkins' older sister, Noreen Dunn, said that was the beginning of his diligent work ethic that lasted throughout his life.
It was through this twice-a-day delivery route that Hawkins met the two Shepherd brothers, who owned an auto supply company. Hawkins delivered auto parts by bicycle part time, then left school in the ninth grade to work full time for Shepherd's.
Hawkins worked his way up through the company, becoming president and general manager in 1959. The company expanded to three shops - one on Williamson Road Southeast, another off of North Williamson Road, and a third in Salem.
Hawkins retired in 1980, but continued the driven pace that moved him up the business ladder.
Dunn said that for many years after her brother retired at age 70, Hawkins would rise at 3:30 every morning to run 1.1 miles.
He also volunteered much of his time to his church, Huntington Court United Methodist - a place Dunn said was the love of his life.
Hawkins also devoted many Saturdays to a Roanoke youth, Chris Shelton. Hawkins served as a Big Brother to Shelton, taking him fishing and golfing. Dunn said the two maintained a close relationship even after Shelton moved to South Carolina.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel.
by CNB