Sanders Francis Hawkins

Sanders Sandy F. Hawkins, 70, a family man with the strength to love and the power to bring out the best in those around him, died May 4, 2005 at his home in San Antonio, Texas. He was a devoted husband father, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle, and when he passed he was surrounded by loved ones.

Hawkins was born on March 28, 1935 in Charleston S.C., the youngest of seven children born to Ella Hawkins and Charlie Hawkins. In 1957, he graduated from South Carolina State College in Orangeburg S.C., where he majored in chemistry. He received his M.S. in 1970 from St. Mary's University and his Ph.D. in 1979 from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Pharmacology/toxicology. He entered the U.S. Army on August 9, 1957 as a 1st Lieutenant and retired on July 31, 1986, having achieved the rank of Colonel.

In 1979, he was appointed as the first U.S. Scientific Representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization for Chemical Defense. He held a wide range of positions including Consultant to the Surgeon General for Forensic Toxicology Drug Testing, and Chief of Toxicology at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology. After retiring from the military, he move to Connecticut where he served as Chief, Toxicology/Criminology for the state and, later, as Director of Laboratory Services.

He was committed to community service and was a member and president of numerous Chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, as well as the Worshipful Master of Excelsior for Mason Lodge #3 of Harford, CT. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Rose; his three daughters, Troy Hawkins of Springfield, VA, Andrea Hawkins of Cranford, N.J. and René Hawkins of Fairfax, VA; three sister, Jessica Hawkins-Greenidge, Adelaide Wallace, Ella Harmond; three brothers-in-law; Joseph Morgan, Maurice Morgan, Andy Boisseau, three sisters-in-law: Jacqueline Morgan, Ruby Boisseau, Edith Morgan and a host of nieces, nephews grand nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.