William Hawkins

William McAdam Hawkins, 83, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 15, 2021 in Nashville, TN.

He was born in Rogersville, TN on November 28, 1937 to Elmer Lea Staub Hawkins and Catherine Crookshank Hawkins, who preceded him in death.

Bill (Billy Mack) grew up in Johnson City, TN where he attended Science Hill High School. There, he met the love of his life, Mary Deon Young. He enjoyed playing sports, mainly basketball and tennis, and was active in the Boy Scouts. He attended East Tennessee State College and graduated from The University of Tennessee-Knoxville with a degree in chemical engineering and was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity. Bill and Mary married on his birthday in 1959 and moved to Lancaster, PA, where he worked for Armstrong Cork. They returned to Knoxville in 1962, where he earned a Masters in Science degree. He went to work for DuPont and moved to Parkersburg, WV. In 1968, when he was transferred, the now family of 4 moved to Nashville, where Bill and Mary lived in the same house for more than 50 years.

Being an expert on geotextiles, Bill traveled the world extensively. He made the most out of these trips and saw all the sites. Always with a camera in hand!

He continued to pursue his love of tennis and basketball for many years and became an avid runner as well. He completed the Joe Steele Rocket City Marathon in Huntsville, AL, among many other races. When he could no longer run, he enjoyed frequent long walks at Radnor Lake.

Bill was a strong Christian and was a founding member of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville. He also attended the Franklin Fellowship men’s group for 30+ years. He loved his family and many friends, and never missed a softball game, dance recital, horse show, band concert, school play, etc. when his children or grandchildren were participating. Again, always with a camera in hand!

As husband, father, grandfather, co-worker and friend, he loved much and was much loved!

Bill is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Young Hawkins; son, William McAdam Hawkins, jr (Sharon); daughter, Linda Hawkins Ware (Don); grandchildren, Mary Lynn Adcock (Chad), Katie Ware, Grace Ware, Lea Ware, Jack Hawkins; great grandchildren, Ezra and Wilder Adcock; brother, Charlie Hawkins (Jeanette); beloved nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Caris Healthcare Hospice, Belmont Village Senior Living and First Light Home Care for their kind support.

There will be a gathering of family and friends to celebrate Bill's life on Wednesday, September 8, 2021, 3:00-7:00 p.m. at The Pavilion at Harpeth, 9090 Highway 100, Nashville, TN 37221.

In lieu of flowers, please donate blood to the American Red Cross, or make a monetary donation to Friends of Radnor Lake or your favorite charity.