Willie Eugene Hawkins, 92, of Lebanon, and a native of Sparta, passed away Jan. 5, 2022, at Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital.
Mr. Hawkins, affectionately known as "Big Bud" to his family and friends, was born May 10, 1929, in Sparta, to E.D. Hawkins and Cora Lance Hawkins.
He had a work career that spanned from a mechanic for U.S. Steel to a Sparta Police Department officer under Chief Walter Lowery. He also did auto body work for most of his life. Big Bud was an avid fisherman and played pool five days a week.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five siblings, Charles Hawkins, Ida Mae Stone, Ruth Atnip, Bobbie June Cockrell, and Pauline Humphrey.
Survivors include his children, Bill (Sherry) Hawkins, Wanda Hawkins and Gerald Swindell, Sandra Sloan, Pamela (Tom) White, Keith Hawkins; stepdaughter, Denise (Eddie) Burchek; brother, James Willard "Little Bud" Hawkins; companion, Alice Sellars; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Big Bud's family has entrusted Hunter Funeral Home with his cremation, and a private family service will be conducted at a later date.
Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
