Howard Hawkins, 79, of Sparta, passed away unexpectedly, on Jan. 6, 2025, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Howard was born July 12, 1945, on his family's farm, in Sparta, to Raymond Arlie and Vallie Belle Barlow Hawkins.
Howard was voted Mr. WCHS for the graduating class of 1963. He was a retired UPS driver, with 27 years of service and a veteran of the National Guard. He was more proud of the fact that he was a lifelong farmer, getting up at 3 a.m. while he drove for UPS and devoting the last 22-plus years of retirement to his farm work. His two passions in life were his land and being a loving husband, father, Poppy, son, and brother to his beloved family. Howard was a longtime member of Sparta First United Methodist Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Lee Hawkins.
Survivors include his wife of over 58 years, Janie Lewis Hawkins; two sons, Steve Hawkins and wife Sonia, Greg Hawkins and wife Danyelle; grandchildren, Logan (Alex) Johnson, Hannah (Hunter) Randolph, Dustin (Allison Dockery) Hawkins, Brayden (Gianna) Hawkins, Brynn Hawkins; sister, Janice (Tom) Greer; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors.
Hunter Funeral Home was entrusted with Howard's
cremation. A memorial service was 7 p.m., Jan. 9, 2025, at Hunter Funeral Home. Doug Benningfield and Thomas McCulley officiated.
Memorials may be made to Monroe Carrell Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt.
Hunter Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
