In the heart of Cookeville, Tennessee, a community mourned the passing of Harold Allen Hawkins, a venerable figure whose life resonated with the echoes of shared memories and a deep-rooted connection to his faith..
On Monday, June 1, 2009, the chapel of Whitson Funeral Home echoed with somber hymns as funeral services commenced at 2 p.m. The stories of Harold's life, woven with threads of devotion, service, and love, unfolded like the pages of a cherished book.
Born on July 21, 1928, in the serene landscapes of Jackson County, Tennessee, Harold was the embodiment of a life well-lived. His journey, which began in the embrace of William Riley and Velma Williams Hawkins, unfolded against the backdrop of rural Tennessee.
Harold's commitment to his faith was the cornerstone of his existence. Throughout the years, he donned various roles — a Sunday school teacher, a compassionate deacon, a melodious music director, and a guiding pastor. Congregations at Dodson Branch Missionary Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Gainesboro were privileged to witness his unwavering devotion. His service extended to Scott Avenue Baptist Church in Cookeville and, in later years, Salem Methodist Church.
A Bivocational minister, Harold's life wove through diverse chapters. After graduating from Baxter Seminary, he donned the hat of an educator, receiving a teaching certificate from TPI. His early years witnessed the clatter of chalk and the rustle of pages as he imparted knowledge in the classrooms of Jackson County. A stint as a meticulous bookkeeper at Cookeville Planing Mill paved the way for an entrepreneurial venture. In the community, he became "The Land Man," a real estate and land developer.
Harold's melodic voice filled the sanctuaries of churches, choir lofts, and gospel singings. A member of The Hawkins Family, his harmonies uplifted spirits. In his later years, the halls of Bethesda Health Care Center echoed with hymns as he shared his gift of music with fellow worshipers.
In the tapestry of his life, Harvest Time Ministries emerged as a testament to his compassion. It was a beacon of hope, reaching out to those in need within the community. His altruistic spirit also manifested in the organization of school reunions for rural schools in Jackson County, a reflection of his commitment to preserving shared histories.
The Putnam County Singing Convention bore witness to Harold's leadership, and he spearheaded fundraising endeavors for the American Heart Association. Yet, amid these accomplishments, his heart remained tethered to family. An ardent genealogist, he coauthored "The Hawkins Family Journal" and "Echoes of Spring Creek," ensuring the narrative of his lineage endured.
In the embrace of family, Harold found solace. His legacy lived on through his wife, Elaine Hawkins, and his children — Jere and Sherree Hawkins, Gary Green, Janice and Larry Elrod. Brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren continued to cherish the warmth of his memory.
As the final chapter unfolded, the pages turned backward to revisit the faces of those who had preceded him — his first wife, Ada Sue Lynn Hawkins, and his sister, Virginia Ann Mabrey. The narrative of Harold Allen Hawkins, a life intricately connected to the fabric of community and faith, found its resting place in the hallowed grounds of Dodson Branch Cemetery.
And so, the community bid farewell to a man whose life had been a story of service, devotion, and love — a tale that would echo through the hills of Tennessee for generations to come.
Funeral services for Harold Allen Hawkins, 80, of Cookeville, TN, will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2009 from the chapel of Whitson Funeral Home. Burial will be in Dodson Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-9 p.m. today, Sunday, May 31, and from 7 a.m. until time of services on Monday at the funeral home.
Mr. Hawkins died Friday, May 29, 2009, in Bethesda Health Care Center.
He was born July 21, 1928, in Jackson County, TN to the late William Riley and Velma Williams Hawkins.
Mr. Hawkins faithfully served God throughout the years as a Sunday school teacher, deacon, music director and pastor. He served as pastor of Dodson Branch Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson County, TN and First Baptist Church of Gainesboro, TN. He also served as associate pastor of Scott Avenue Baptist Church in Cookeville, TN. In his later years, he attended Salem Methodist Church in Cookeville.
As a Bivocational minister, Mr. Hawkins worked in several capacities over the years. After graduating from Baxter Seminary, he attended TPI and received a teaching certificate and taught school in Jackson County. He then worked as a bookkeeper at Cookeville Planing Mill from 1952-1968. He then went into business for himself and became a real estate and land developer and was knows as "The Land Man" for many years.
Mr. Hawkins was an avid gospel singer, singing with The Hawkins Family, in church choirs, gospel singings and most recently joined in worship with patients of Bethesda Health Care Center. Mr. Hawkins also found time to create Harvest Time Ministries which was designed to minister to individuals in need in the community. He also organized numerous school reunions for attendees of small rural schools in Jackson County that no longer operate. He was president of the Putnam County Singing Convention and led fund raising efforts for the American Heart Association.
Family was important to Mr. Hawkins. He was an avid genealogist and coauthored two books, "The Hawkins Family Journal" and "Echoes of Spring Creek".
His family includes his wife, Elaine Hawkins of Cookeville; a son and daughter-in-law, Jere and Sherree Hawkins of Cookeville; a stepson, Gary Green of Cookeville; a daughter and son-in-law, Janice and Larry Elrod of Durham, N.C.; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Rev. Doug and Cynthia Hawkins of Rossville, GA, and Robert and Len Hawkins of Cookeville; four sisters and two brothers-in-law, Emily Fields of Mason, Ohio, Sylvia Trisdale, and Linda and Jack Phann, all of Cookeville, and Faye and Mickey Phipps of Gallatin; four grandchildren, Elizabeth Hawkins Wright of Knoxville, Chad Hawkins of Nashville, and Jennifer Elrod Lilje and husband Peter, and Brandon Elrod, all of Durham; and two great-grandchildren, Hannah Racheal and Emma Grace Lilje, both of Durham.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by is first wife, Ada Sue Lynn Hawkins, and a sister, Virginia Ann Mabrey.
On Monday, June 1, 2009, the chapel of Whitson Funeral Home echoed with somber hymns as funeral services commenced at 2 p.m. The stories of Harold's life, woven with threads of devotion, service, and love, unfolded like the pages of a cherished book.
Born on July 21, 1928, in the serene landscapes of Jackson County, Tennessee, Harold was the embodiment of a life well-lived. His journey, which began in the embrace of William Riley and Velma Williams Hawkins, unfolded against the backdrop of rural Tennessee.
Harold's commitment to his faith was the cornerstone of his existence. Throughout the years, he donned various roles — a Sunday school teacher, a compassionate deacon, a melodious music director, and a guiding pastor. Congregations at Dodson Branch Missionary Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Gainesboro were privileged to witness his unwavering devotion. His service extended to Scott Avenue Baptist Church in Cookeville and, in later years, Salem Methodist Church.
A Bivocational minister, Harold's life wove through diverse chapters. After graduating from Baxter Seminary, he donned the hat of an educator, receiving a teaching certificate from TPI. His early years witnessed the clatter of chalk and the rustle of pages as he imparted knowledge in the classrooms of Jackson County. A stint as a meticulous bookkeeper at Cookeville Planing Mill paved the way for an entrepreneurial venture. In the community, he became "The Land Man," a real estate and land developer.
Harold's melodic voice filled the sanctuaries of churches, choir lofts, and gospel singings. A member of The Hawkins Family, his harmonies uplifted spirits. In his later years, the halls of Bethesda Health Care Center echoed with hymns as he shared his gift of music with fellow worshipers.
In the tapestry of his life, Harvest Time Ministries emerged as a testament to his compassion. It was a beacon of hope, reaching out to those in need within the community. His altruistic spirit also manifested in the organization of school reunions for rural schools in Jackson County, a reflection of his commitment to preserving shared histories.
The Putnam County Singing Convention bore witness to Harold's leadership, and he spearheaded fundraising endeavors for the American Heart Association. Yet, amid these accomplishments, his heart remained tethered to family. An ardent genealogist, he coauthored "The Hawkins Family Journal" and "Echoes of Spring Creek," ensuring the narrative of his lineage endured.
In the embrace of family, Harold found solace. His legacy lived on through his wife, Elaine Hawkins, and his children — Jere and Sherree Hawkins, Gary Green, Janice and Larry Elrod. Brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren continued to cherish the warmth of his memory.
As the final chapter unfolded, the pages turned backward to revisit the faces of those who had preceded him — his first wife, Ada Sue Lynn Hawkins, and his sister, Virginia Ann Mabrey. The narrative of Harold Allen Hawkins, a life intricately connected to the fabric of community and faith, found its resting place in the hallowed grounds of Dodson Branch Cemetery.
And so, the community bid farewell to a man whose life had been a story of service, devotion, and love — a tale that would echo through the hills of Tennessee for generations to come.
Funeral services for Harold Allen Hawkins, 80, of Cookeville, TN, will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2009 from the chapel of Whitson Funeral Home. Burial will be in Dodson Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-9 p.m. today, Sunday, May 31, and from 7 a.m. until time of services on Monday at the funeral home.
Mr. Hawkins died Friday, May 29, 2009, in Bethesda Health Care Center.
He was born July 21, 1928, in Jackson County, TN to the late William Riley and Velma Williams Hawkins.
Mr. Hawkins faithfully served God throughout the years as a Sunday school teacher, deacon, music director and pastor. He served as pastor of Dodson Branch Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson County, TN and First Baptist Church of Gainesboro, TN. He also served as associate pastor of Scott Avenue Baptist Church in Cookeville, TN. In his later years, he attended Salem Methodist Church in Cookeville.
As a Bivocational minister, Mr. Hawkins worked in several capacities over the years. After graduating from Baxter Seminary, he attended TPI and received a teaching certificate and taught school in Jackson County. He then worked as a bookkeeper at Cookeville Planing Mill from 1952-1968. He then went into business for himself and became a real estate and land developer and was knows as "The Land Man" for many years.
Mr. Hawkins was an avid gospel singer, singing with The Hawkins Family, in church choirs, gospel singings and most recently joined in worship with patients of Bethesda Health Care Center. Mr. Hawkins also found time to create Harvest Time Ministries which was designed to minister to individuals in need in the community. He also organized numerous school reunions for attendees of small rural schools in Jackson County that no longer operate. He was president of the Putnam County Singing Convention and led fund raising efforts for the American Heart Association.
Family was important to Mr. Hawkins. He was an avid genealogist and coauthored two books, "The Hawkins Family Journal" and "Echoes of Spring Creek".
His family includes his wife, Elaine Hawkins of Cookeville; a son and daughter-in-law, Jere and Sherree Hawkins of Cookeville; a stepson, Gary Green of Cookeville; a daughter and son-in-law, Janice and Larry Elrod of Durham, N.C.; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Rev. Doug and Cynthia Hawkins of Rossville, GA, and Robert and Len Hawkins of Cookeville; four sisters and two brothers-in-law, Emily Fields of Mason, Ohio, Sylvia Trisdale, and Linda and Jack Phann, all of Cookeville, and Faye and Mickey Phipps of Gallatin; four grandchildren, Elizabeth Hawkins Wright of Knoxville, Chad Hawkins of Nashville, and Jennifer Elrod Lilje and husband Peter, and Brandon Elrod, all of Durham; and two great-grandchildren, Hannah Racheal and Emma Grace Lilje, both of Durham.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by is first wife, Ada Sue Lynn Hawkins, and a sister, Virginia Ann Mabrey.
In the heart of Cookeville, Tennessee, a community mourned the passing of Harold Allen Hawkins, a venerable figure whose life resonated with the echoes of shared memories and a deep-rooted connection to his faith..
On Monday, June 1, 2009, the chapel of Whitson Funeral Home echoed with somber hymns as funeral services commenced at 2 p.m. The stories of Harold's life, woven with threads of devotion, service, and love, unfolded like the pages of a cherished book.
Born on July 21, 1928, in the serene landscapes of Jackson County, Tennessee, Harold was the embodiment of a life well-lived. His journey, which began in the embrace of William Riley and Velma Williams Hawkins, unfolded against the backdrop of rural Tennessee.
Harold's commitment to his faith was the cornerstone of his existence. Throughout the years, he donned various roles — a Sunday school teacher, a compassionate deacon, a melodious music director, and a guiding pastor. Congregations at Dodson Branch Missionary Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Gainesboro were privileged to witness his unwavering devotion. His service extended to Scott Avenue Baptist Church in Cookeville and, in later years, Salem Methodist Church.
A Bivocational minister, Harold's life wove through diverse chapters. After graduating from Baxter Seminary, he donned the hat of an educator, receiving a teaching certificate from TPI. His early years witnessed the clatter of chalk and the rustle of pages as he imparted knowledge in the classrooms of Jackson County. A stint as a meticulous bookkeeper at Cookeville Planing Mill paved the way for an entrepreneurial venture. In the community, he became "The Land Man," a real estate and land developer.
Harold's melodic voice filled the sanctuaries of churches, choir lofts, and gospel singings. A member of The Hawkins Family, his harmonies uplifted spirits. In his later years, the halls of Bethesda Health Care Center echoed with hymns as he shared his gift of music with fellow worshipers.
In the tapestry of his life, Harvest Time Ministries emerged as a testament to his compassion. It was a beacon of hope, reaching out to those in need within the community. His altruistic spirit also manifested in the organization of school reunions for rural schools in Jackson County, a reflection of his commitment to preserving shared histories.
The Putnam County Singing Convention bore witness to Harold's leadership, and he spearheaded fundraising endeavors for the American Heart Association. Yet, amid these accomplishments, his heart remained tethered to family. An ardent genealogist, he coauthored "The Hawkins Family Journal" and "Echoes of Spring Creek," ensuring the narrative of his lineage endured.
In the embrace of family, Harold found solace. His legacy lived on through his wife, Elaine Hawkins, and his children — Jere and Sherree Hawkins, Gary Green, Janice and Larry Elrod. Brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren continued to cherish the warmth of his memory.
As the final chapter unfolded, the pages turned backward to revisit the faces of those who had preceded him — his first wife, Ada Sue Lynn Hawkins, and his sister, Virginia Ann Mabrey. The narrative of Harold Allen Hawkins, a life intricately connected to the fabric of community and faith, found its resting place in the hallowed grounds of Dodson Branch Cemetery.
And so, the community bid farewell to a man whose life had been a story of service, devotion, and love — a tale that would echo through the hills of Tennessee for generations to come.
Funeral services for Harold Allen Hawkins, 80, of Cookeville, TN, will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2009 from the chapel of Whitson Funeral Home. Burial will be in Dodson Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-9 p.m. today, Sunday, May 31, and from 7 a.m. until time of services on Monday at the funeral home.
Mr. Hawkins died Friday, May 29, 2009, in Bethesda Health Care Center.
He was born July 21, 1928, in Jackson County, TN to the late William Riley and Velma Williams Hawkins.
Mr. Hawkins faithfully served God throughout the years as a Sunday school teacher, deacon, music director and pastor. He served as pastor of Dodson Branch Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson County, TN and First Baptist Church of Gainesboro, TN. He also served as associate pastor of Scott Avenue Baptist Church in Cookeville, TN. In his later years, he attended Salem Methodist Church in Cookeville.
As a Bivocational minister, Mr. Hawkins worked in several capacities over the years. After graduating from Baxter Seminary, he attended TPI and received a teaching certificate and taught school in Jackson County. He then worked as a bookkeeper at Cookeville Planing Mill from 1952-1968. He then went into business for himself and became a real estate and land developer and was knows as "The Land Man" for many years.
Mr. Hawkins was an avid gospel singer, singing with The Hawkins Family, in church choirs, gospel singings and most recently joined in worship with patients of Bethesda Health Care Center. Mr. Hawkins also found time to create Harvest Time Ministries which was designed to minister to individuals in need in the community. He also organized numerous school reunions for attendees of small rural schools in Jackson County that no longer operate. He was president of the Putnam County Singing Convention and led fund raising efforts for the American Heart Association.
Family was important to Mr. Hawkins. He was an avid genealogist and coauthored two books, "The Hawkins Family Journal" and "Echoes of Spring Creek".
His family includes his wife, Elaine Hawkins of Cookeville; a son and daughter-in-law, Jere and Sherree Hawkins of Cookeville; a stepson, Gary Green of Cookeville; a daughter and son-in-law, Janice and Larry Elrod of Durham, N.C.; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Rev. Doug and Cynthia Hawkins of Rossville, GA, and Robert and Len Hawkins of Cookeville; four sisters and two brothers-in-law, Emily Fields of Mason, Ohio, Sylvia Trisdale, and Linda and Jack Phann, all of Cookeville, and Faye and Mickey Phipps of Gallatin; four grandchildren, Elizabeth Hawkins Wright of Knoxville, Chad Hawkins of Nashville, and Jennifer Elrod Lilje and husband Peter, and Brandon Elrod, all of Durham; and two great-grandchildren, Hannah Racheal and Emma Grace Lilje, both of Durham.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by is first wife, Ada Sue Lynn Hawkins, and a sister, Virginia Ann Mabrey.
On Monday, June 1, 2009, the chapel of Whitson Funeral Home echoed with somber hymns as funeral services commenced at 2 p.m. The stories of Harold's life, woven with threads of devotion, service, and love, unfolded like the pages of a cherished book.
Born on July 21, 1928, in the serene landscapes of Jackson County, Tennessee, Harold was the embodiment of a life well-lived. His journey, which began in the embrace of William Riley and Velma Williams Hawkins, unfolded against the backdrop of rural Tennessee.
Harold's commitment to his faith was the cornerstone of his existence. Throughout the years, he donned various roles — a Sunday school teacher, a compassionate deacon, a melodious music director, and a guiding pastor. Congregations at Dodson Branch Missionary Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Gainesboro were privileged to witness his unwavering devotion. His service extended to Scott Avenue Baptist Church in Cookeville and, in later years, Salem Methodist Church.
A Bivocational minister, Harold's life wove through diverse chapters. After graduating from Baxter Seminary, he donned the hat of an educator, receiving a teaching certificate from TPI. His early years witnessed the clatter of chalk and the rustle of pages as he imparted knowledge in the classrooms of Jackson County. A stint as a meticulous bookkeeper at Cookeville Planing Mill paved the way for an entrepreneurial venture. In the community, he became "The Land Man," a real estate and land developer.
Harold's melodic voice filled the sanctuaries of churches, choir lofts, and gospel singings. A member of The Hawkins Family, his harmonies uplifted spirits. In his later years, the halls of Bethesda Health Care Center echoed with hymns as he shared his gift of music with fellow worshipers.
In the tapestry of his life, Harvest Time Ministries emerged as a testament to his compassion. It was a beacon of hope, reaching out to those in need within the community. His altruistic spirit also manifested in the organization of school reunions for rural schools in Jackson County, a reflection of his commitment to preserving shared histories.
The Putnam County Singing Convention bore witness to Harold's leadership, and he spearheaded fundraising endeavors for the American Heart Association. Yet, amid these accomplishments, his heart remained tethered to family. An ardent genealogist, he coauthored "The Hawkins Family Journal" and "Echoes of Spring Creek," ensuring the narrative of his lineage endured.
In the embrace of family, Harold found solace. His legacy lived on through his wife, Elaine Hawkins, and his children — Jere and Sherree Hawkins, Gary Green, Janice and Larry Elrod. Brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren continued to cherish the warmth of his memory.
As the final chapter unfolded, the pages turned backward to revisit the faces of those who had preceded him — his first wife, Ada Sue Lynn Hawkins, and his sister, Virginia Ann Mabrey. The narrative of Harold Allen Hawkins, a life intricately connected to the fabric of community and faith, found its resting place in the hallowed grounds of Dodson Branch Cemetery.
And so, the community bid farewell to a man whose life had been a story of service, devotion, and love — a tale that would echo through the hills of Tennessee for generations to come.
Funeral services for Harold Allen Hawkins, 80, of Cookeville, TN, will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2009 from the chapel of Whitson Funeral Home. Burial will be in Dodson Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-9 p.m. today, Sunday, May 31, and from 7 a.m. until time of services on Monday at the funeral home.
Mr. Hawkins died Friday, May 29, 2009, in Bethesda Health Care Center.
He was born July 21, 1928, in Jackson County, TN to the late William Riley and Velma Williams Hawkins.
Mr. Hawkins faithfully served God throughout the years as a Sunday school teacher, deacon, music director and pastor. He served as pastor of Dodson Branch Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson County, TN and First Baptist Church of Gainesboro, TN. He also served as associate pastor of Scott Avenue Baptist Church in Cookeville, TN. In his later years, he attended Salem Methodist Church in Cookeville.
As a Bivocational minister, Mr. Hawkins worked in several capacities over the years. After graduating from Baxter Seminary, he attended TPI and received a teaching certificate and taught school in Jackson County. He then worked as a bookkeeper at Cookeville Planing Mill from 1952-1968. He then went into business for himself and became a real estate and land developer and was knows as "The Land Man" for many years.
Mr. Hawkins was an avid gospel singer, singing with The Hawkins Family, in church choirs, gospel singings and most recently joined in worship with patients of Bethesda Health Care Center. Mr. Hawkins also found time to create Harvest Time Ministries which was designed to minister to individuals in need in the community. He also organized numerous school reunions for attendees of small rural schools in Jackson County that no longer operate. He was president of the Putnam County Singing Convention and led fund raising efforts for the American Heart Association.
Family was important to Mr. Hawkins. He was an avid genealogist and coauthored two books, "The Hawkins Family Journal" and "Echoes of Spring Creek".
His family includes his wife, Elaine Hawkins of Cookeville; a son and daughter-in-law, Jere and Sherree Hawkins of Cookeville; a stepson, Gary Green of Cookeville; a daughter and son-in-law, Janice and Larry Elrod of Durham, N.C.; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Rev. Doug and Cynthia Hawkins of Rossville, GA, and Robert and Len Hawkins of Cookeville; four sisters and two brothers-in-law, Emily Fields of Mason, Ohio, Sylvia Trisdale, and Linda and Jack Phann, all of Cookeville, and Faye and Mickey Phipps of Gallatin; four grandchildren, Elizabeth Hawkins Wright of Knoxville, Chad Hawkins of Nashville, and Jennifer Elrod Lilje and husband Peter, and Brandon Elrod, all of Durham; and two great-grandchildren, Hannah Racheal and Emma Grace Lilje, both of Durham.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by is first wife, Ada Sue Lynn Hawkins, and a sister, Virginia Ann Mabrey.
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