Richard David Hawkins, 76, of Soddy-Daisy, a loving husband and father of three children, passed away on Monday, January 4, 2021. David was born on September 1, 1944 in Murphy, NC, to Ernest and Gladys “Pat” Hawkins. He graduated with his degree in education from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1972 and his master’s degree in education from Tennessee Tech University in 1985. He taught in Hamilton County Schools for 30 years. On July 11, 1964, he married the love of his life and wife of 57 years, Martha Hawkins, and together they raised one daughter, Mary Kathryn “Kathy” and two sons, Michael and Marc. David once wrote, “Our talents are the gift that God gives to us. What we make of our talents is our gift back to God.” David used his talents to study and share the word of God through teaching Sunday school classes at Soddy Church of Christ and through his many poems and words of wisdom. He was the author of numerous “dad” jokes and anything corny, which kept those around him laughing. He also used his talents to influence his students during the course of his education career and devoted time to the cross country and soccer team, by which he was named Coach of the Year on many occasions. He was an avid gardener, always sharing the fruits of his labor with others, and loved to travel with his family. David was known for his love for other people and his kind and generous spirit. David was preceded in death by his father, Ernest Hawkins and mother, Gladys “Pat” Hawkins.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Martha; three children, Kathy (Wade) Crider, Michael Hawkins and Marc Hawkins; grandchildren, Christopher Thomas, Erin (Clark) Boshers, Pierce Hawkins and Brandon Crider; sister, Mary (Duane) Richardson; brother, Charles Hawkins and several nieces and nephews.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a memorial service will be announced at a later time. Memorial contributions can be sent to Soddy-Daisy Food Bank and the American Kidney Fund.
The family wants to share their deepest gratitude to the nurses and staff at Chattanooga Kidney Center North for taking care of him over the years.
Condolences and memories can be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com.
Arrangements are by Williamson and Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike, Soddy Daisy, TN 37379.
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