Charles Richard Hawkins

Charles Richard Hawkins, fondly known as “Dick,” passed away on May 5, 2025, in Winter Garden, Florida, at the age of 78. Born in March 1947 in Newport News, Virginia, he was the son of Beatrice “Bea” Hawkins and Thomas “Tommy” Hawkins.

Dick was a leader, family man, and consummate “people person.”

As a teenager, he was an accomplished athlete and popular class clown who loved making classmates laugh. After Dick graduated from Garfield High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, proudly serving aboard the U.S.S. Shangri-La aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean during the Vietnam War. As a top deck “Tailhook Guy,” he played a critical role in ensuring fighter jets could land safely—a life-or-death responsibility he carried out with pride and precision.

Dick married Melinda Lee Byerly in 1971, adopting her daughter, Ronda, and later having another daughter, Cynthia.

Later in life, Dick settled on the North Carolina Outer Banks, where he successfully ran the Manteo Detention Center. In 2002, the Dare County Sheriff and Governor Roy Cooper awarded him a rare Commendation Certificate in recognition of his exemplary service.

Dick later taught law enforcement students at the College of the Albemarle, where he joyfully prepared and mentored a new generation of professionals. Upon retirement, he moved with his wife, Betty Cozart Hawkins, to Maggie Valley, NC. Years later, he lived briefly in Hilton Head and Winter Garden, Florida, where he took loving care of his mother in her twilight years.

An intelligent man of many passions, Dick loved American history and novels, sharing life lessons and dad jokes, “cuttin’ up” with friends and family, and cheering on the Alabama football team — “Roll Tide!” Above all, he was an incredibly devoted son, husband, and father who took joy in helping others and putting family first.

Dick is survived by his 3ed wife, Judy Hawkins of Winter Garden, FL; his daughters, Ronda Sage Canning of Southern Shores, NC, and Cynthia Ann Larsen of Asheville, NC; his beloved grandchildren, Ariel Shalom Lindeman of Marshall, NC; and Jessica Canning and Nathan Canning, both of Southern Shores, NC.

Dick strived to do the right thing, be a man of character, and live with integrity. His legacy lives on in the laughter he shared, the lessons he taught, and the deep love he held for his family, friends, and country.

Fulfilling his last wish, his family released Dick’s cremains into the waters off the Outer Banks, alongside those of his parents, Beatrice and Tommy Hawkins. May they rest in peace.

“The will is character in action. If we would create something, we must be something.” --- Vince Lombardi