Obituary of Robert Hawkins, Jr.

Robert Hawkins Jr., loving husband to Delores Hawkins, devoted father to Debra, proud and loving grandfather to Patrick and Brianna, passed peacefully on January 9, 2021, at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden, New Jersey. Robert was born in Jackson, North Carolina to the late Robert Sr. and the late Vergie Lee Hawkins, Nee Boone. He attended St. John AME Church and was educated in the Northampton County, North Carolina school system. He attended Willis Hare High School where he was an extremely talented basketball player, renowned for his skills on the court. Proving himself well-rounded, Robert also drove the school bus and sang in the Willis Hare Chapel singing group. Robert was offered a basketball scholarship but declined. Instead he was blessed to find his life-love in Delores and they married immediately after completing high school. The couple moved to New Jersey and welcomed their new addition Debra. Over a 62-year marriage, they never lost their youthful enthusiasm and devotion to family and God. Adventurous travelers, Robert and Delores traveled on ocean cruises to nearly every Caribbean Island, along with an annual trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for which they were accompanied by grandchildren Brianna and Patrick and Aunt Pat. Robert was beloved by many who knew him as Bob, Hawk, or Blue, depending on which of his family or social circles you encountered him. Robert had a high mechanical aptitude. He became a skilled mechanic and a successful business owner. He founded Hawkins Auto Body, a well-known local go-to auto repair shop where his attention to detail and craftsmanship became known across the community. Robert could always be found there working and hanging out with friends who enjoyed his silly humor and infectious laugh. Robert was a devoted member of St. John Baptist Church. He was known to other members and clergy for his stylish Sunday suits and ties. He enjoyed attending services along with his wife, Deaconess Delores Hawkins. He was a child of God who accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized in his faith. Due to Covid precautions, there will not be a funeral. In the Spring, Robert will be laid to rest in the family cemetery in Conway, North Carolina during a private memorial. The family asks that instead of flowers or donations, you instead treasure your memories of Robert as you always knew him. We will remember his kind, caring, and devoted nature as well as his quick wit, sly humor, and love for God and his family. Robert is survived by his wife Delores Hawkins, Née Lassiter, his daughter Debra Jones, his two grandchildren Patrick Still and Brianna Edwards, son-in-law Lamar Jones, and siblings William Hawkins, Jeanette Evans, Jerry Hawkins, and Maxine Reid. He was preceded in death by his sister, Carol-Ann Heyward. Presented sorrowfully but strengthened by our faith in God and acceptance of his will. ~The Family