William "Bill" Richard Hawkins

William Richard Hawkins, known to friends and family as Bill, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2023 at his home in Lincolnton, GA. after an extended illness. Bill lived a life full of love, laughter, and achievements. He was an intelligent and funny man who touched the lives of many and will be dearly missed. Son of the late James Dillard Hawkins, Sr. and Elizabeth Strother Hawkins, he was born on June 21, 1951 in Athens, Ga. He grew up alongside his brother, James Dillard "Jim" Hawkins Jr. and sister, Mary Hawkins Nouri on the family farm located at the historical site known as Cherokee Corner, a colonial trading post and post office near the town of Arnoldsville. He was proud of his Dillard family heritage which began there during the origin of the State of Georgia and our dear Franklin College (University of Georgia). Bill completed his high school education at Oglethorpe High School in 1969 and pursued higher education at the University of Georgia, where he earned a B.A. in Journalism and Public Relations in 1974. He continued his education at The Georgia Bankers Association/Georgia Banking School, where he served as class president. He later married the love of his life, Susan Leverett Hawkins, with whom he raised their two children, William Russell "Russ" Hawkins and Elizabeth J. "Liz" Hawkins. A few years after his marriage, he furthered his banking education at the Louisiana School of Banking at LSU. Bill's passion for banking management led him to become a banking consultant focused on financial growth. His expertise in the field culminated in the startup of his own bank consulting group, Peachtree Consulting in the mid-nineties. Bill worked tirelessly in the industry until his well-deserved retirement. Throughout his life, Bill's greatest joy was spending time with his family. He cherished moments with his parents, wife, and children at the family farm, where they enjoyed Native American artifact hunting, fishing, target shooting, and other outdoor activities. His love for water, University of Georgia football, and running in his earlier years contributed to the vibrant and active life he led. He was known for his intelligence, wit, and humor, which endeared him to everyone he met. He had a special talent for remembering the names of songs and the artists who sang them, often singing along and encouraging others to join in, regardless of their musical abilities. Bill's friendly nature and genuine interest in the lives of others made him a beloved figure in his community and beyond.

His love for his family, his passion for his work, and his zest for life will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. As we celebrate the life of William Richard "Bill" Hawkins, we honor the legacy he leaves behind and the countless lives he touched with his kindness, humor, and love. In addition his wife, children, and siblings, he will be greatly missed by his sisters-in-law, Marilyn Leverett Davis and Nancy Lovelady Sherard. nephews, Ron Bailey (Myranda) and Clayton Lovelady, niece Whitney Poucher (Zach); great-nephew Rett Poucher; and great-niece Hunter Kate Poucher, and close family friend, Jamie Mouchet. A graveside memorial service is planned for Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 2 p.m. at the historic Oconee Hill Cemetery located at 297 Cemetery Street near Sanford Stadium in Athens, GA with a visitation on Tuesday evening from 6pm-8pm at Beggs Funeral Home 200 May Avenue Lincolnton, GA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The United Methodist Children's Home at Wellroot Family Services 1967 Lakeside Parkway Suite 400 Tucker, Georgia 30084 https://wellroot.org or a charity of your choice.

Beggs Funeral Home 200 May Avenue Lincolnton is honored to serve the family of Mr. William Richard "Bill" Hawkins.