Edward Hawkins

Edward Hawkins, affectionately known as “Joe” has departed his life on December 16, 2020 at his Willingboro home surrounded by family.

Edward Hawkins was born December 21, 1947 in Granville County NC to the late John Henry Hawkins Sr. and Reverend Martha Hawkins.

Edward was born in the South but moved to NJ in the 1960s and resided in Newark and Elizabeth. He attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Elizabeth and was active in sports such as wrestling, baseball and boxing.

 In 1967, he did a tour of duty and served in the Vietnam War.  He was honorably discharged from service in 1969.  

Edward had a passion for driving trucks and did so until he retired in 2004.  He loved playing baseball, boxing and fishing.  In 1997, he co-founded “The Men’s Club” with long time best friend Dave Kenner where he served as Sergeant of Arms.

Edward was a family man who loved hosting bar-b-ques and attending family events. He often traveled back to his hometown Henderson, NC to visit family and was very close to his nephews Earl and the late June Hawkins and Alex Parham.

He was preceded in death by 16 brothers and sisters.

Edward is survived by his wife of 51 years, Carol Hawkins; Son: Edward Jr of Willingboro NJ; 4 daughters: Sharon Hawkins of Cherry Hill NJ, Annette Hawkins of Willingboro NJ, Deidra Hawkins of Raleigh NC and Dahlia Hawkins of Woodbridge NJ.  He was beloved PopPop to his 4 grandchildren: Tarajee Pitts, Marquis Hawkins, Tiyah Hinton and Justin Hawkins.  He leaves 6 sisters-in-law and 5 brothers-in-law.  He was affectionately Uncle Joe to a host of nieces and nephews.

Edward was truly loved and will be missed by his family and friends.

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