Raymond Eugene Hawkins

Mr. Raymond Eugene Hawkins, 84, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2014. Ray is survived by his wife of 64 years, Frances Althenia Hawkins; Linda English (Butch), Raymond Eugene "Gene" Hawkins, Jr. (Donna), Kathy Schmidt (John), and Kim McGirt (John); grandchildren, Jack English (Courtney), Hannah English, Jeff Schmidt (Caroline), Mallory Wojciechowski (Timothy), Jessie Hawkins, and Mollie McGirt; great-granddaughters, Caroline English, Charlotte English, Morgan Schmidt and Madeline Schmidt. Ray served in the US Army and was a decorated veteran who proudly served his country during the Korean War and the Vietnam War and was honored with a Bronze Star. He retired from the US Army after 20 years of service and was then employed 40 years by The House of Raeford. Ray was an active member of the Hillcrest Baptist Church and the Hillcrest Volunteer Fire Department in Raeford, as well as an active Shriner and Mason. Ray was also instrumental in helping to start and organize the Hillcrest Community Water System. Ray will be remembered by those who knew him as a loving, devoted family man, who was full of life and enjoyed making people smile. Nothing made him happier that sharing a good meal and laugh with family and friends. Ray was a hard worker and a generous spirit who gave money, time and attention whenever a need arose. Ray spent the last four years of his life surrounded by the love and care of staff and friends at Scotia Village in Laurinburg, NC. A visitation will be held Wednesday, October 29 from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. at Crumpler Funeral Home, 131 Harris Ave, Raeford, NC 28376. Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 30 at 2:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Raeford with graveside burial to follow. Flowers are welcome or donations can be made to Hillcrest Baptist Church, 2699 US Hwy 401 Business, Raeford, NC 28376 or Scotland County Hospice, 610 Launchwood Dr, Laurinburg, NC 28352. "What greater honor, when a person moves forward, they leave behind in each of us, the best of what they were."