Mr. Howard Hawkins, age 79 of Sparta, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, January 6, 2025 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Howard was born July 12, 1945 on his family's farm in Sparta, Tennessee, to the late Raymond Arlie and Vallie Belle Barlow Hawkins. Howard was voted Mr. WCHS for the graduating class of 1963. He was a retired UPS driver with 27 years of service and a veteran of the National Guard. He was more proud of the fact that he was a lifelong farmer, getting up at 3:00am while he drove for UPS, and devoting the last 22 1/2 years of retirement to his farm work. His two passions in life were his land and being a loving husband, father, Poppy, son and brother to his beloved family. Howard was a longtime member of Sparta First United Methodist Church.

In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his brother Lee Hawkins.

Surviving family members include his wife of over 58 years Janie Lewis Hawkins

Two sons: Steve Hawkins and wife Sonia, Greg Hawkins and wife Danyelle

Grandchildren: Logan (Alex) Johnson, Hannah (Hunter) Randolph, Dustin (Allison Dockery) Hawkins, Brayden (Gianna) Hawkins and Brynn Hawkins

Sister: Janice (Tom) Greer

A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors also survive

Hunter Funeral Home has been entrusted with Howard's cremation and a memorial service will be conducted 7:00pm Thursday, January 9, 2025 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home. The family will receive friends after 4:00pm Thursday at Hunter Funeral Home. Doug Benningfield and Thomas McCulley will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Monroe Carrell's Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt.