Jean Donald Hawkins (Don), age 96, died surrounded by his family on Easter Sunday, March 31. He died at his residence with his granddaughters, Katelyn Law and Megan Benfield both registered nurses taking care of him.
He served his country in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Berlin, Germany at the end of WWII in 1945. He was a member of the 508th Parachute Infantry Honor Guard platoon. His job was to guard the Allied Headquarters and perform ceremonial parachute jumps for the dignitaries who came to the installation. His military career ended with the U.S. Air Force in 1952. His extensive professional career as a Chemist began at TVA in Muscle Shoals and various corporations along the East Coast. He semi-retired and returned to the Florence area to teach physics, biology, and chemistry for 21 years at Bradshaw High School. Don had a love of nature and found his greatest joy was being outdoors. He loved fly fishing, backpacking, canoeing, and hiking. He was also an avid reader, loved classical music, and a fan of the Atlanta Braves baseball team.
Don shared his love and knowledge of nature with his children, grandchildren, students, and friends. He left a legacy that will continue in his own family and friends to know the plants and wildlife that he stewarded throughout his life, he was an environmentalist and worked with others to preserve the TVA trail for generations to come. He was a member of the Sierra Club, the Audubon Society, a volunteer for the Forest Service in Colorado for 13 years, and many professional organizations.
He is survived by his wife, Genie Vance Hawkins; his 4 children, Michael Hawkins and wife, Deborah, Susan Ledbetter and husband Del, Eric Hawkins and Katy Hawkins; by his nine grandchildren, Chris Hawkins, Heather Hatton (Ken), Alison Stukenborg (Shawn), Megan Benfield (Gregory), Chase Benfield, Jackson Hawkins, Brooklyn Barrie (Chris), Katelyn Law (Josh) and Michael-Scott Carr (Kate). ten great-grandchildren; Finn, Henry, Eli, Xander, Casey, Ainsley, Hadley, Brooklyn, Ivey, and Royce; special niece and nephew Julianna Gregory and Richard Gregory.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.
A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.
