Obituary of Phillip Ray Hawkins

Phillip Ray Hawkins passed away at his home in Pittsburg, Thursday, June 30, at the age of 78. Mr. Hawkins was born July 27, 1937 in Ft. Worth to Truman Ray Hawkins and Lucile Craft Hawkins. From 1958 to 1960 Phillip served in the US Army and was stationed in Germany. Shortly after he returned from overseas he wed Jacqueline "Jackie" Sims on February 17, 1962. Over the next 54 years the couple would laugh, love and raise a family. Phillip was a fixture in the Camp County area. Apart from serving as Camp County Judge, he was also a teacher and social worker. After retirement he did not slow down, spending his time volunteering at the Pittsburg Farmstead Museum, and also the North East Texas Rural Heritage Museum. Phillip and his wife Jackie were long time members of the First Baptist Church of Pittsburg. Although he enjoyed many activities and hobbies Phillip's pride and joy was his family. He always cherished the time that he was able to spend with them, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mr. Hawkins was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his beloved bride, Jackie Hawkins; three sons: Mitch Carter and wife Gerri; David Hawkins and wife Lisa; and Paul Hawkins and wife Kassie; two daughters: Ruthanne Byrd Walker and husband Kerry Walker; and Angie Avittan and husband Tali; along with 15 grandchildren: Leslie Cutler, Jaron Avittan, Neely Avittan, Jonathan Avittan, Karen Avittan, Nicole Carter, Cooper Carter, Rachel Smith, Annie Hawkins, David Hawkins, Mary Hawkins, Holly Hawkins, Jacob Hawkins, Chris Young and Angela Behrendt; 8 great-grandchildren: Jaycee Cutler, Hagen Cutler, Jack Young, Cole Young, Dean Young, Molly Hoover, Zoey Behrendt and Harrison Behrendt; a brother: David Hawkins and wife Val; two sisters: Sara Kneipp and husband Jimmy; and Mary Lou Sinclair and husband Dale; as well as a host of nieces and nephews and many dear friends. Phillip was preceded in death by his parents: Truman and Lucile Hawkins; and a sister: Ann Ramsey. Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Saturday, July 2 at First Baptist Church in Pittsburg, with Bro. Steve Packer officiating. Burial will follow at Leesburg Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, July 1 at First Baptist Church. Memorial contributaions in Mr. Hawkins' name may be made to Guideons International or the North East Texas Rural Heritage Museum.