Tommy Ray Hawkins

tommy hawkins
Tommy Ray Hawkins, Arlington, TX (formerly of Milan, IL) took his final flight from this world on July 1, 2014 after a valiant struggle with prostate cancer. Visitation & service will be held at Wade Funeral Home, Arlington, on July 7, beginning at 10:30. Burial will follow at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery Tommy was born to Fred and Alice Hawkins on January 28, 1933 in Red Boiling Springs, TN. After high school graduation, Tommy joined the Army and served as a radio operator in the Korean War. In 1955 he married the girl of his dreams, Anna Sue Wood, and moved to Rock Island, Illinois. There he worked as a supervisor at John Deere Plow & Planter Works, retiring in 1985. He was a member of Bethany Baptist Church, The American Legion and the VFW. A lover of excitement and risk, Tommy began his private pilot adventure in 1963 becoming a member instructor and eventually manager of the Quad-City flying Country Club. He owned Tom-A-Hawk Flying, Inc., flying for business and pleasure in his beloved Cessna 210 until failing health stopped him at the age of 75. He also enjoyed playing a good game of euchre, the annual Hawkins fishing trip from IL to Toledo Bend, and the fish fries that followed, golf, water skiing, hanging at the QC airport with his pilot buddies, and flying anywhere at anytime with anybody. His love for family was immeasurable. We will miss his laughter, hugs, generosity and unconditional love. Tommy leaves behind his wife of 59 years,Anna; daughters; Karen (Alan) Phillips of Kennedale, and Melanie (Kent) Wheeler of Burleson; 6 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; brother, Charles (IL), sister: Nancy (TN); and several very dear nieces and nephews. He was devastated by the death of their son, Shawn in 2002 and is also preceded in death by 2 brothers in recent years. The family wishes to thank Freedom Hospice for their care and compassion since March, as well as wonderful family and dearest friends in Illinois who have cared, visited, prayed for and loved Tommy during his lifetime. He has met his Savior face to face.

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  1. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Bro. Hawkins is definitely in a better place now and we know we will see him again one day. Wish we could be there in person to give you all a hug. I will never forget flying in the plane with him. (Robin)

  2. Uncle Tommy has gone from life to LIFE. I will miss him and his humor, but look forward to seeing him again and his “heavenly” humor.

  3. An Uncle by Marriage (Niece Lanita)whom I first met at the Hawkins Family Reunion in 2008. Instantly hit it off with Uncle Tommy for some reason and my only regret is that I didn’t take the opportunity to spend more time getting to know him better. He is dearly loved by his family and will be truly missed. I am sure he is heaven, happy, free of pain and standing tall and proud next to his son and brothers. My deepest condolences to the entire Hawkins Family.

    Shawn & Lanita Lee
    Murfreesboro TN.

  4. My handsome brother is with the Creator now and his race has been run. My hope is that we will all be reunited in bodies that never die, to rejoice together with the Lord because of His Grace. He loved well and was well loved, we shall miss him. I am so grateful that my family rests in the assurance and peace that knowing Christ gives us all.

  5. I am so sorry to hear that Tommy passed from this world, but I know he is in a wonderful place promised to us which we can’t even imagine because it is beyond our comprehension and he is surrounded in Love…..God’s love. My Dad, Howard G. Roberts, was very fond of Tommy and would keep us all updated whenever they talked or visited each other. I did meet him a couple of times and I know that Daddy and Tommy are discussing flying and politics now and enjoying each others company. My heart goes out to the family, loved ones and friends. May God give you peace and comfort. You are in my prayers.

  6. Dear Aunt Sue, I so wish I could be there with the family at this time. Ashley just had a baby last week so I am on call here for her needs. Please know my heart is in Texas with you all. Love from both Craig and I

  7. I honor my Uncle Tommy today as he is laid to rest. I honor his life and service to his country. From one veteran to another, your flag will always fly high and your banner will always wave. Thank you for blessing my life and risking your life for our freedom. Your legacy is timeless and your spirit is free.My love to you now and always. Lanita. MAC, USN (Ret)

  8. Aunt Sue – You are in my thoughts and prayers today. Sending love your way in Texas. We wish we could be there with you. Uncle Tommy was one of my favorites – so sweet and kind – a man I know will be missed. I am sorry for your loss.

    Love, Ashley, Ethan, Townsley and Hazel

  9. My mother and I send condolences to Tommy’s family. I know I certainly missed him at alumni banquet this year at the high school. My mom and Bill absolutely loved when Tommy would fly or drive in for a visit. They was so much alike and both good, honorable men. My he rest in peace in the arms of his savior and may the family find solace in knowing he is in a better place than any of us on earth can ever be currently.

  10. My mother and I send condolences to Tommy’s family. I know I certainly missed him at alumni banquet this year at the high school. My mom and Bill absolutely loved when Tommy would fly or drive in for a visit. They was so much alike and both good, honorable men. My he rest in peace in the arms of his savior and may the family find solace in knowing he is in a better place than any of us on earth can ever be currently.


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