CHESTER, Pa. — Mr. William Wardell “Hawk” Hawkins Sr., 63, of Chester, Pa., departed this life Sunday, July 12, 2009, at Crozer Chester Medical Center in Chester.

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“Hawk” was born April 28, 1946, in Roanoke Rapids. He was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Mabel and Arthur Abington; his father, Andrew Bowser; and two brothers, Larry Donnell Abington and Steven Abington.

He received his education from John Armstrong Chaloner School. After graduation, he enlisted into the United States Army and fought in the Vietnam War.

He was employed for many years with J.P. Stevens and was a cement finisher.

“Hawk” leaves to cherish his memories seven children. His oldest son, William “Bill” Thorne, resides in Philadelphia. “Hawk” was united in marriage to Alice Joyner and they were blessed with six children, Tyra Hawkins and Laura Jones, both of Roanoke Rapids, Angela Evans (Kevin) of Greensboro,  William Hawkins Jr. (Cetta) of Philadelphia, Anita Howard (Brice) of Greensboro and Michael Hawkins of Roanoke Rapids; 20 granddaughters and one grandson; three sisters, MaeBell Hawkins, Gladys Bowser and Mary Edmonds (Calvin), all of Roanoke Rapids; two brothers, Dennis Abington and Arthur Abington Jr. of Roanoke Rapids; two half-sisters, Faye Majette of Philadelphia and Patricia Hawkins of Roanoke Rapids; one half-brother, Leonard D. “Smokey” Smith of Roanoke Rapids; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and many friends.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Friday, July 24, at Cofield Mortuary in Weldon, which is handling the arrangements.

Funeral services will be privately held at a later date and will be announced by Cofield Mortuary.

Online condolences may be made at www.cofieldmortuary.com.