Obituary of William "Bill" H. Hawkins III

William H. Hawkins, III (May 17, 1934 – February 5, 2024) Bill Hawkins, 89, of Hixson, TN, passed away on February 5th after a brief illness. He was born and raised in western NC, by his mother Beatrice Ann (Bebe) Hawkins with his sisters Celia and Polly. He met his wife (Saralyn) in 1954 while attending North Carolina State University, and they were married in 1958. Bill and Saralyn moved to TN in 1968 and raised three children in Hixson. Saralyn predeceased Bill, as did his parents and sisters, but he is survived by their daughter, Saralyn Ann Stafford (husband Marvin, daughter Jessy); Bill Hawkins IV (wife Pam, daughters Cara, Savannah, and Tori); and David Carson Hawkins (wife Valerie, sons Jacob and Jared); one great-grandchild (Callum) and by his much-loved sister-in-law, Ethelyn Taylor, of Carthage NC. After graduation from NCSU, Bill worked in the textiles industry in manufacturing and sales of knitting yarns. After retiring multiple times, he last enjoyed filling his time with handyman duties at his church, and working as a handyman with a good friend at the historic Customs House in downtown Chattanooga. Bill had many good friends in the Olde Mill neighborhood where he lived for over 60 years, and made many more new friends in his last year at Morning Pointe. The family is grateful for these many friends who supported Bill after he lost his wife. Saralyn and Bill attended Hixson United Methodist Church since 1968, and both were devoted members of the Sam McConnell Sunday School Class. Both loved singing in the choir as well. The family will receive friends at Hixson United Methodist Church on Saturday, February 17th from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the new Youth Building, followed immediately by a memorial service in the Chapel. The family requests no flowers, but encourages a donation in Bill’s memory (if desired) to the Hixson United Methodist Church Memorial Fund. Arrangements by Legacy Funeral Home, 8911 Dallas Hollow Road Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379 (423) 843-2525. To share photos, memories or condolences please visit www.legacyfuneralhome.com.