Eric B. Hawley, Sr.

Lt Coronel Eric Hawley Sr passed away in Orlando on January 18th, 2021. He is survived by his wife Dorothy, daughter Kimberley, son Eric Jr, sister Anita, grandchildren Megan and Rhiannon, great grandchildren Jackson and Charlotte. The family will be having a private ceremony to celebrate his life and passing.

Eric was a son of Maryland, born in the rural town of Perryville in 1933. As a youth, he spent a great deal of time on the family farm, helping his family earn a living. He joined the Army at 17 in 1952 as a private during the Korean War. Following that he served four tours in the Vietnam. He earned his Special Forces, Green Beret & Airborne designations as well as a master’s degree in business administration. During his 30 year Army career, he lived abroad in a number of countries as well as all throughout the US. He retired at Patrick AFB in 1982 and went on to work at Southland Corporation for several years. He and his wife lived in Cocoa Florida from 1977 until 2015 where they relocated to Orlando to reside in an assisted living facility.

Eric was a devote Christian and family man, always thinking of others and ready with a helping hand. He had a huge heart and loved his family beyond measure. He had a special love for his two granddaughters whom he had the joy of watching grow up through their childhood and teenage years. He always loved animals, especially his last dog Ralph who he asked about often. His concern for his wife never failed and his last words were asking after her. He was a good man, loving spouse and fantastic father. May he rest in peace.