November 4, 1931 – September 10, 2020
Lloyd R. Hawks, 88, was born on November 4, 1931 in Rockford, IL. He was the sixth of seven children born to the union of the late Archie T. (Papa) Hawks, Sr. and Mary L. (Terry) Hawks. He departed this life peacefully on September 10, 2020 at his residence of the past three years, The Madeline of Decatur (GA).
He married Stella J. (Webster) Hawks on September 16, 1951 at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Rockford, officiated by Rev. Eldridge Gilbert. Stella preceded him in death on November 25, 2010.
Lloyd attended Rockford West High school and served from 1952 - 1954 in the U.S. Army at Ft. Riley Kansas before attending the Culinary Institute of America in New Haven, CT, in pursuit of his passion for culinary arts. Lloyd had a true entrepreneurial spirit and was actively involved in management of The Eldorado Club (a family owned establishment), Lloyds Restaurant and Lounge, and Papa Hawks BBQ. He also managed the restaurant for The Responsible Peer Program at The Mill, where he trained youth from the court system to work in food services, as well as management of food services at River Oaks Retirement Home and Quaker Oats Cafeteria. Lloyd served as Vice-President of the Rockford chapter of the Illinois State Beverage Association, and was a member of the Illinois Retail Liquor Association. At 42 years old, Lloyd was elected President of the Greater Rockford Chapter of the Chicago and Illinois Restaurant Association.
Lloyd was very proud of and active in the Rockford community. He was a lifelong member of Miles Memorial CME church where he served as Chairman of the Trustee Board for several years. He supported the Booker T. Washington Community Center and was an active member of “Friends of Booker”. He served on the Board of Directors for the Martin House and The Rock River Water Reclamation District and also held membership in the Jefferson-Horton American Legion Post #340 and the Southwest Business Association as well as honorary membership in the Rock City Unique Steppers and SIS Line Dance class.
Lloyd never met a stranger and loved to talk about growing up in Rockford, his daily breakfast meetings with friends he knew “all my life,” his family, and his love of cooking. He was cheerful and happy to be alive until the end.
Lloyd is survived by his daughter, Brenda Hawks McCray and granddaughter Aleah L. Hawks, both of Marietta, GA; as well as sisters-in-law, Pearl (Archie) Hawks; Cassandra (Everett) Hawks; brother-in-law, Michael (Barbara) Webster, and a host of nieces, nephews, and many friends, all of whom have shown so much love and support for Lloyd in so many ways. Special acknowledgement to his niece, Tina Harvey, of Rockford, IL who very unselfishly gave Lloyd her time and loving care and support during his last years in Rockford and to his lifelong childhood friend, Richard (Dicky) O’Neil of Milwaukee, WI. for his ongoing love and concern for Lloyd and his family.
Lloyd was predeceased by his parents (Archie T. and Mary L Hawks), his wife (Stella J. (Webster) Hawks), four brothers (Archie, Jr., Phillip, Charles, Everett, Sr. Hawks) and two sisters, (Fannie (Hawks) Romez and Mary (Hawks) Mure)
Celebration of Life Memorial Graveside Service at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 24th in Sunset Memorial Gardens, 8800 N. Alpine Rd, Machesney Park. Burial following Services. Cremation Rites have been accorded. To share a Memory or Condolence www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com
A live stream of Lloyd’s funeral will be made available at 11 am Thursday 9/24 at https://www.facebook.com/SunsetFuneralHomeIL\
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