Thomas R. Hawkins

Thomas Richard Hawkins, 95, of Prosperity, South Carolina, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Sunday, August 7, 2022.

Born on June 17, 1927, in Prosperity, he was the son of the late George Wilbur Hawkins and Annie Alice Kunkle Hawkins. Mr. Hawkins was retired from Champion International and continued to work on his farm in Stoney Hill as long as his health allowed. He was a member of The Newberry Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

When asked, he would tell you his greatest love was his family, his church, and his farm. He was known for his generosity to all and made sure everyone that came around him was offered candy and ice cream. He helped many people during his life and taught his family to do the same.

He is survived by his wife of seventy years, Mildred Branham Hawkins, two daughters, Lindel Marsh (Bill) of Lexington, Debra Templin (Doug) of Prosperity; two sons Mark Hawkins (Connie) of Prosperity, and Tim Hawkins (Amy) of Batesburg; two sisters Lottie Martin and June Stepp-King, both of Prosperity. He also had 13 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. Mr. Hawkins was predeceased by his brothers, Harold and Bobby Hawkins; three sisters Julia Williams, Sara Hamm, and Pauline Branham; granddaughter Amber Marsh Williams, and great grandson Samuel Eargle.

The family extends a special thank you to Newberry Internal Medicine, and the Nurses and Aids from the Hospice Division of Amedisys.

Funeral Services will be held at 4:00 PM, Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ Newberry Ward, 002 Glenn Street, Newberry, SC, with burial at the Hawkins Family Cemetery, 144 Hawkins Court, Prosperity, SC.  Visitation will be Tuesday from 3:00 - 4:00 pm at the church.

The family suggests memorials to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Humanitarian Aid; c/o Bishop Matthew Templin, 428 Hawkins Court, Prosperity, SC 29127, to continue his legacy of helping others who are less fortunate.

Active pallbearers will be Robert Marsh, Richard Marsh, Ryan Hamilton, Jared Templin, Matthew Templin, Nathan Templin, Adam Templin, Allen Reid, Grant Hawkins, Eric Eargle, Andrew Hawkins and Rhett Hawkins.