Bobby Rondal Hawsey, 88, of Brandon, Florida passed away December 31, 2020 at Advent Health of Tampa after a month-long battle with COVID-19. Bobby was born July 28, 1932 in Tampa, Florida, the fourth child of the late John Howard Hawsey and Vicie Barber Hawsey. He was a devoted husband to his late wife, Marilyn Hawsey, who he loved wholeheartedly. Bobby was a small man in stature, but had the largest heart. He will be remembered for his kindness, humility, selflessness, and genuine concern for everyone. He put everyone else first and never judged or begrudged anyone. He always saw the good in people and prayed for the happiness, safety and good health of others up until his last days. He was a devout Christian who was an avid fan of the Christian Network once he lost his eyesight and could no longer read the Bible. His strong Christian faith sustained him, especially after the loss of his wife three years ago and most especially during these last several months of quarantine.
Bobby retired as a Staff Sergeant from the United States Air Force in 1971 after serving 20 years with one year of prior service in the Air National Guard which he joined at age 17 with his parents’ consent. He served in both the Korean War and Vietnam War for which he received the Air Force Commendation Medal. Upon his retirement, Bobby’s base commanding officer wrote “Your departure is a very great loss, and I speak for the entire base when I say that your absence will be deeply felt.” These words are fitting for his surviving family today as they mourn their father, grandpa, brother and uncle.
Survivors include his two sons: Ronald Mayne and his wife Theresa of Brandon, FL, Troy Hawsey of Thonotosassa, one daughter: Robin Birchfield and her husband, Bill, of McLean, VA, seven grandchildren: Lacey Mayne, Taylor Mayne, Katie Mayne, Audrey Kate Birchfield, Hayden Birchfield, Ava Birchfield and Nathan Birchfield; two great grandsons: Tristan Mayne and Remy Mayne; one sister: Muriel Jones and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Bobby was preceded in death by his loving wife, Marilyn Hawsey; his four brothers: James Hawsey, Jack Hawsey, John Hawsey and Larry Hawsey; and his one sister: Janie Hawsey.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date to-be-determined at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. In lieu of flowers, please perform an act of kindness in honor of Bobby.
