Norris Roosevelt Hawkins, age 79, of Lake City passed away Tuesday, June 26, at the Tennova Inpatient Hospice after battling with Alzheimer’s for the past several years.
Norris was born on May 18, 1933, where Norris Dam currently sits. His parents were David Hawkins and Nancy Ann Heatherly. He was the oldest of 12 children.
Norris joined the Army in 1953 and served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. He reached the rank of Master Sergeant as a calibration mechanic. He received the National Defense Service Medal, seven Good Conduct Medals, several Army Commendation Medals, Vietnam Services Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
After his service of 21 years, he retired, and then he went on to teach his knowledge at Bylington Solway Vocational School in Karns. He received several awards for Teacher of the Year during his service with Knox County.
After retiring from teaching, Norris enjoyed traveling with his companion Charlotte Butler, playing golf, and working outdoors.
Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his siblings, Lloyd, Jerry, Ronnie and Donnie Hawkins, and Lilly Mac Hawkins; and stepson, Christopher.
Survivors include his sons and daughters-in-law, Ronnie and Sheilah Hawkins of Columbia, S.C., and Rex and Donna Hawkins of Lake City. Norris also leaves behind siblings, Faye and Curtis Cooper, Claudine Manning, Mary Sue Grant, Kathern Androick, Geneva and Ronnie Norton, Cherry Ann and Pat Lane; two grandchildren, Megan and Lindsey; one great grandchild, Ethan; and two step-grandchildren, Kristy and Don.
Norris’ family will receive his friends on Friday, June 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Jones Mortuary. His interment will be Monday, July 2, at 9:30 a.m. at the East Tennessee Veterans cemetery in Knoxville with full military honors.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
Norris’ family would like to give special thanks to all the employees at Atria Assisted Living in Knoxville for making the last few years of his life peaceful and comfortable; their commitment to serving the elderly is above and beyond.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675 (woundedwarriorproject.org) or the Alzheimer’s Association (800) 272-3900 (alz.org).
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