Robert Bertram Hawkins Sr., age 93 passed away on January 27, 2019 in Longwood Florida. Robert was born August 24, 1925 in Jacksonville Florida to the late Robert and Ruby (Miller) Hawkins. He was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Virginia and Doris.
Robert was a graduate of Andrew Jackson High School in Jacksonville. He had a part time job delivering telegraphs across Jacksonville by bicycle for the Western Union. Robert served in the US Army during WWII and was stationed in the Philippines.
Robert married Audrey Thomas in Jacksonville Florida on April 11, 1948 and they had four children. He and the family were members of the Grand Park Baptist church where he was a deacon and Sunday School teacher. After military service he began a career with the Atlantic Coastline Railroad retiring in 1985 as the Senior Shop Foreman.
Robert left the railroad temporarily in the 60s to sell life insurance for the Metropolitan Insurance Company before moving to State Farm and establishing their first agency in Fernandina Beach Florida. After returning to his railroad job in 1965 the family moved to Lakeland, Florida where the children completed schooling. In 1983 Robert built a new home in North Lakeland and upon retirement enjoyed woodworking and making small furniture pieces.
He was a member of the Lakeland Masonic Lodge No. 91. After retirement Robert and Audrey enjoyed RV touring around the country visiting many historic landmarks and they especially loved blue grass festivals.
In 2013 Robert and Audrey left Lakeland and joined the Village on The Green retirement community in Longwood Florida. Robert loved Village on the Green and the many friends he made there. Robert read his bible daily and was a big believer in bedside prayers for as long as he was able to kneel.
His faith was strong and he often spoke of how the Lord had always had hands on him throughout his life. He loved his family and was especially proud of his children, watching them grow into successful adults with their own families. Family outings were a highlight of his life.
Robert will be remembered for his fantastic sense of humor, big smile, and being a giver of great hugs. He was loved and will be missed by all those lucky enough to have crossed his path. Robert leaves to cherish his loving memory his wife Audrey (Thomas) Hawkins, one son and daughter in law Robert Jr and Marina Hawkins, three daughters and sons-in law: Sandra and Paul Bessette, Shirley and Greg Hall, Jane and Dave Nelson; 10 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Services for Robert will be held on Thursday, January 31 at Jacksonville Memory Gardens Cemetery and Funeral Home, 111 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL 32073. Viewing is at 1:00 followed by the service at 2:00. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made in Robert Hawkins’s name to Young Life, PO Box 2289, Winter Park, Florida 32790.
Young Life is a Christian Youth Organization. Please place Robert Hawkins name in the ‘For’ section of the check.
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