Edward L. Hawkins, 91

A lifelong resident of Henderson County, he was the only great-grandson of Solomon Jones “the road builder,” a grandson of Hicks and Mary Jane Ragan Jones and a son of Herman Bowman Hawkins Sr. and Mary Emma Jones

Hawkins. He is the last and youngest of four brothers, Hicks J., Herman B. Jr., and William P. (Dave) Hawkins.

He proudly served his country in the Marine Corps during World War II and the Korean War. He retired from Hendersonville Post Office in 1977 after 30 years of service as a Rural Mail Carrier. He also volunteered at Pardee Memorial Hospital, contributing over 6,000 hours, was a member of the VFW, American Legion and N.A.R.F.E. He cultivated a large garden for 31 years to share with family, friends and neighbors. In addition, he loved to golf and was a member of Crooked Creek, from age 50 to 90, where he shot less than his age many times.

He was a member of Mud Creek Baptist Church, where he helped with the children’s Sunday school class for 40 years.

Surviving him is his loving wife, Zoda M. McCraw Hawkins; a son, William E. Hawkins and wife, Linda; a grandson, M. Derek Hawkins and wife, Stacey; three great-granddaughters, Alexandra, Blaire, and Eden; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Mud Creek Baptist Church. The Rev. Greg Mathis will officiate. Burial will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park. Family will receive friends an hour before the service at the church and at other times will be at the residence. Military graveside rites will be conducted by: Hubert M. Smith American Legion Post 77, Hedrick-Rhodes VFW Post 5206, and Chapter 14 of the DAV. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Four Seasons Hospice Elizabeth House, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, N.C. 28731. An online register book is available at www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.