William Ron Hawkins

Born July 25, 1941 in Cincinnati, OH, he was the son of the late William Rex Hawkins and Eleanor Mary Jackson and raised by Daniel Zehler and his mother.

Following his graduation from Withrow high school, Ron enlisted in the US Air Force where he was a heavy equipment operator stationed in Anchorage, AK and Dover, DE. While in the Air Force, Ron met the love of his life, Sue, whom he married in 1962 and cared for until her death in 2019. Together they raised two sons. Following his honorable discharge, he briefly worked at Cincinnati Milacron before starting with General Motors in what would be a career spanning four decades. While with GM, Ron worked as a claims adjuster before moving to the insurance and finance side and finished his time as a Regional Sales Manager.

Always a ‘car guy’, Ron was active in Queen City Corvair Club for many years and enjoyed performance driving as a member of the Sports Car Club of America. He is also a graduate of the Richard Petty driving experience and a member of the 120mph club at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

After retirement, Ron found passion as a puppy raiser for Southeastern Guide Dogs. Raising future guide dogs and introducing them to the different aspects of life among society was something that he and his wife loved doing. The dogs that could not become guide dogs rejoined the family and became service dogs that Ron and Sue would take to hospitals and events to both spread awareness of the program and cheer among those who were hospitalized.

Ron was also an active member of the Presbyterian Church, finishing his service at Quail Hollow Presbyterian Church where he will be interred alongside his wife of 55 years and eldest son.

He is survived by his son, David (Beth Maxey) of Harrisburg, PA; his sister Mae of Mason, OH; and his half-brother Ken of Lake Oswego, OR. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. His wife Sue and son Danny preceded him in death.

A service to commit his remains will be held Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 1:00 pm at the Columbarium at Quail Hollow Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, NC.

For those wishing to send memorial gifts, please consider Southeastern Guide Dogs (https://www.guidedogs.org/make-a-donation/) or Hospice and Palliative Care, Charlotte Region (http://www.hpccr.org).

Condolences may be offered at http://www.mcewenpinevillechapel.com)