Our beloved Mr. Johnny Fred Hawkins, 73 of Morganton, traded his earthly sorrows for Heavenly joy on Sunday July 2, 2023 at UNC Health Blue Ridge.  Born June 30, 1950 in Burke County, he was the son of the late Vollie Hawkins and the late Tommie Lue Gantt Hawkins.  He worked for a number of years as a museum caretaker.  Mr. Johnny Fred was a hard-working man who loved the Lord, his family, and sports.  He loved to follow the sun, fishing, basketball, golf, and westerns.  Mr. Johnny was a very dedicated and active member at New Hope in Christ.  When something needed to be done, Mr. Johnny would act fast!  His passion was the children and how the church looked on the outside.  He understood that if the inside was beautiful, then that is a reflection of what is on the outside.  He painted, made sure the grass was cut, the mulch and white rocks were fresh for the summer, that the church had water, and the playground was repaired so the children would have a nice and safe place to play.  He was a doer in the church and will be greatly missed.  Mr. Johnny was well dressed, loved laughter, and making others smile.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers Tommy Hawkins and Donny Hawkins and sister Sandra H. Bowens.

Left to mourn his loss but cherish his precious memories is his wife Gracie Williams Hawkins of the Morganton; his children Ray Watkins (Shambra) of Hendersonville, NC, Johnny Tucker of Morganton, Doris Bristol of Morganton, and Shaun Williams of Charlotte, NC; sisters Betty Hawkins of Morganton, Kathi H. Abrams of Forest City, NC, and Peggy H. Brown of Forest City, NC; brothers Ralph Hawkins (Charless) of Atlanta, GA, David Hawkins of Morganton, Kenneth Hawkins of Columbus, SC, and Bruce Hawkins of Morganton, NC; 8 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A homegoing celebration will be held Saturday July 8, 2023 at 12:00 noon at New Hope in Christ Church with Pastor LaTrese Lyerly serving as the officiant and eulogist; interment will follow at Olive HIll Cemetery.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

The service will be livestreamed on New Hope in Christ Church's Facebook page; the link is found below

https://www.facebook.com/groups/nhicbc