SUFFOLK – Benjamin Luther Hawkins, 84, died June 1, 2009, in Sentara Obici Hospital.
Born in Dinwiddie County, Va., he was the son of the late Walter Watkins and Mary Francis R. Hawkins. He was also preceded in death by two wives, Mary Elizabeth Hawkins and Coleen Ellen Hawkins; and son, Dwight David “Ike” Hawkins.
Mr. Hawkins was retired from the Ford Motor Plant in Norfolk as an equipment operator. He was a member of Portsmouth Moose Lodge No. 898, Virginia Country Music Association, Inc., Tidewater Bluegrass Music Association, LTD, and the American Legion Post No. 112 in Pearl, Miss. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army.
Survivors include his wife, Nancy Ellen Hawkins; daughter, Tammy Adams, of Richland, Miss.; son, Dennis Wayne Hawkins, of Windsor, Va.; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 11 a.m. in the R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home & Crematory by the Rev. Dr. Bryan Ray, with burial in Holly Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends in the funeral home Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. Condolences may be registered at www.rwbakerfh.com.