Jerry L. Hawkins

Published 2:40 pm Tuesday, February 18, 2025

HARRELLSVILLE – Jerry Lee Hawkins of 332 Baker Road, formerly of Murfreesboro, NC, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2025 with his family by his side. Mr. Hawkins was 88 years old. Coach Hawkins was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and educator, who leaves behind a legacy of dedication and love.

Jerry Lee Hawkins was born in Shelby, NC in 1936. He attended Shelby High School where he excelled in basketball, baseball, and football. He was also a member of the Shelby American Legion baseball team, later serving as the assistant Legion Baseball Coach in 1956. Coach Hawkins received both his A.A. and M.A. Degree from Gardner Webb Junior College, in Cullowhee, NC, majoring in Education and Guidance Counseling with a concentration in Psychology, minoring in Health and Physical Education. He also completed additional graduate work in Azusa-Pacific in Washington, DC; University of California, Santa Barbara, California; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Michigan; and East Carolina University in Greenville, NC.

Jerry spent much of his life serving as a respected Baseball Coach at Chowan College, now Chowan University, where he touched countless lives through his commitment to his students and the sport. His steadfast dedication to his work and those around him did not go unnoticed. Jerry’s influential presence and caring spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Mr. Hawkins was the head baseball coach and Assistant Football Coach for Chowan College for over 32 years, where he reached the “500 Win” plateau in baseball. The baseball field was named in his honor in 1987. In addition to his love of baseball and football, Coach Hawkins also was a Lifeguard Instructor for the American Red Cross beginning in 1965 and a water safety instructor and first Aid instructor, where he taught many kids as well as adults to swim.

In his leisure time, Mr. Hawkins served as a little league coach for over 15 years, high school baseball umpire and also officiated many high school basketball and football games. He also enjoyed spending time with his family at Core Point, setting his flounder nets, providing many delicious family meals. In addition, Jerry Hawkins was a Charter Member of Murfreesboro Rescue Squad and also served as President. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Murfreesboro Rescue Squad; a member of the Murfreesboro Exchange Club; and was both a Sunday School teacher and Youth Director at Murfreesboro United Methodist Church.

Later in life, Jerry loved spending time with his family and especially adored his time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved carving ducks and going on fishing trips to the Eastern Shore with his wife and Dorothy and Bobby.

Preceding him in death were his beloved parents, Eules Ralph “ER” Hawkins and Mabel Hamrick Hawkins; his sister, Nancy Howe; and his cherished son-in-law, Ricky Britt.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 64 years, Reba Hale Hawkins. He is also survived by his children: Jerri Lynn Britt of Harrellsville, NC; Rebecca Hawkins of Glen Allen, VA; and Chris Hawkins and wife Amy of Glen Allen, VA. He leaves behind six cherished grandchildren: Lee Britt of Harrellsville, NC; Joel Britt and wife Bridget of Edenton, NC; Dillon Surwilo of Arizona; Clare Surwilo of Mississippi; Zoe Hawkins of Glen Allen, VA; and Jackson Hawkins of Glen Allen, VA; three great grandchildren: Dixon, Wiley, and Macie Britt all of Edenton. His brother, Keith Hawkins and wife Freida of Shelby, NC and his sister Mary Norman of Rock Hill, SC, and a special sister-in-law, Dorothy Mercer of Midlothian, VA, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will remember him fondly.

A graveside celebration of Jerry’s life will be held Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Riverside Cemetery, Mayor Billy Hill Dr., Murfreesboro, NC, 27855, officiated by Chaplain Brandon Higson followed by a reception at Tavern 125, Main Street, Murfreesboro for family and friends. Pallbearers for the service are Lee Britt, Joel Britt, and Jackson Hawkins; Robbie Mercer, Steve Sumner, Larry Carter, James McGill, and Cecil Parrish.

Memorial contributions in Jerry’s name may be made to Murfreesboro United Methodist Church, PO Box 392, Murfreesboro, NC 27855 or Alzheimer’s Association, 4600Park Road, Suite 250, Charlotte, NC 28209 or online by visiting tmcfunding.com/ search fund, type-Jerry Hawkins.

Condolences may be sent online at www.garrettsykesfs.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel in Murfreesboro, NC 27855.

The service will be livestreamed. It will begin a few minutes prior to the service time. In the event there are technical difficulties, the service will be uploaded to this obituary on the Garrett-Sykes website following the live service.