Ralph A. Hawkins
Born Portland, TN June 22, 1928; died October 20, 2013. Preceded in death by his
parents V.G. and Evelyn Hawkins of Gallatin TN. Survived by his wife, Ouida Hawkins
of Tampa; son Alan in Atlanta, and Julie in Tampa. Also survived by a brother, Charles
of Signal Mountain; sister, Gloria Smiddy in Tennessee; four grandchildren and two
great grandchildren.
Mr. Hawkins was a graduate of Gallatin High School and Tennessee Tech University, where in 2010 he was honored as an outstanding alumnus by the Business College. He was a USAF Korean War combat veteran. He retired from IBM, and then served as COO of Agridata Network Services, and as a business consultant. He was a member of
Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church, President of the Korean War Veterans Association/Tampa Chapter 175, a Shriner, Civil Air Patrol volunteer, member of SCORE and various other fraternal and civic organizations. His memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday October 27 at Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church, 2902 W. Fletcher Avenue, Tampa. FL 33618 and his ashes will be interred in the Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, FL 33513, on Friday November 8, at 2:30 p.m.with full military honors provided by the United States Air Force and the Marion County Honor Guard, Captain Arthur Nave, to officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lake Magdalene Building Fund, 2902
W. Fletcher Avenue, Tampa. FL 33618.
Veterans Funeral Care
727-524-9202
We are so sad on the loss of Mr. Ralph. He will be a huge loss for so many reasons, we are trying to figure out how we can save his “seat: on Wednesday nights. LottieGrace was so heartbroken and then she found 3 pennies on the ground so she knew MR.RALPH must have sent them for her:) We love you guys,
To Ralph’s family and friends:
My deepest sympathy and regret at Ralph’s passing. He and I go back to our days in the Columbus, Ohio DP branch office.
Ralph was a friend to all. He and I last spoke about a year ago. Always smiling… Always caring… He will be missed.
My best to you.
Mike Abrams
Ralph was a dedicated member of the KWVA, Chapter 175.
He knew the meaning of service to God and country and his commitment to the Korean War
Veterans. He will not be forgotten
Julie I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad. Wish I could have known him. Extend my sympathy to the rest of your family. Take care of Mom. God Bless you with the peace of His grace during this time.
Ouida and Family:
I was heartbroken to learn of the sudden loss of Ralph. He was always so kind and friendly. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
On behalf of all Korean veterans and All chapters of the KWVA we express our deepest sympathies and condolences. Ralph was with us at the last Council meeting and he will be very much missed at furure ones. Our prayers are with the family and we hope you will come to us with any needs or questions.
Respectfully and sincerely,
Bob Hebner
Uncle Ralph will be missed by all. He was always kind & caring to everyone. I will always remember the old Stamford CT days when we all lived close to each other and were able to see each other often. My deepest sympathy to Julie, Allan & Aunt Ouida
Ralph was always smiling and I found great conversation with him a few times each year when he planned to attend the air show in Wisconsin each summer. He had a passion about airplanes! Will miss his wonderful personality and smiling face! In Christian love, Deb
I knew Ralph though SCORE. He and two others were the only voices of reason when we had a problem. He was my mentor, when he found out I served in Korea the same time he did. We had many a long talk about many of todays issues and our minds thought alike. I really liked Ralph and will miss him greatly. He was a terrific guy!!
Our prayers are with you during this time.
Juanita Ralph Hawkins and Annelle R. Huggins
(Wife and daughter of Tom Gilliam Hawkins, first cousin of Ralph Hawkins)
My condolences to the family. I am a grandson of Calvin Hawkins, Uncle Vernie’s brother. The obit was in the Gallatin Examiner. The last contact that I had was with Charles many years ago in Chattanooga at a GallatinBaylor football game.
My mother’s name was Ester.
Ouida, I just saw this announcement of Ralph’s death more than two years ago. I know we lost touch after being such good friends in West Virginia and later in Connecticut/New Jersey and I regret that very much. I have such fond memories of the wonderful times our family spent with you and your family either in our homes or at West Virginia state parks. My sincere condolences to you, Alan and Julie.