Ret. Lt. Col. USAF Robert Charles Hawthorne

Born to the late Lucille Saunders Weston Hawthorne of Mecklenburg County and Waverly Herbert Hawthorne Sr. of Lunenburg County, Virginia, Bob attended Thomas Jefferson High School and graduated from the Virginia Military Institute. He remained deeply connected to his alma mater, serving as Director of the Thomas Jefferson Cadet Corps Band and later as Coordinator for the Thomas Jefferson Alumni Cadet Corps.

Known for his love of God, family, and country, Bob proudly served in the United States Air Force for more than 22 years. Among the highlights of his distinguished military career were his service as Chief of Protocol USAF Systems Command, Base Commander of Grand Turk Air Station, overseeing operations such as the Viktor Belenko defection MiG-25 Foxbat from Soviet Union to Japan, B1 & B2 Bomber R&D, and Project Bluebook. Following his military retirement, he continued sharing his expertise in the General aviation industry for more than 30 years, earning a reputation for his relentless work ethic and leadership.

Above all, Bob was a devoted husband, loving father, and exceptional “Grandaddy.” Guided by his faith, he never met a stranger, always looked for the good in others, and believed in second chances. We were blessed to have “Our Bob” and grateful for the years we shared with him.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Cathy Whitlow Hawthorne; daughter Heather Hawthorne Brougham (Dean); son Jeffrey Hawthorne (Suzanne); and grandchildren Jenna Scott (Ben), Laina and Grant Hawthorne, and London and Grayson Brougham.

His legacy of faith, service, kindness, and devotion to family will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

A celebration of life service is tentatively scheduled for 11:00am, Friday, July 3rd, 2026. at Hollywood Cemetery – Cremation & Scattering Garden, with Military Honor Guard.

Donations in his honor can be made to the “Tunnels to Towers Foundation”.