Paul J. Hawkins

Paul J. Hawkins, 95, of Lufkin, was born December 7, 191 2, in Angelina County, Texas, the son of the late Charlotte Elizabeth (Aldredge) and W. Benton Hawkins. He passed away Wednesday, February 20, 2008, at his residence.

Mr. Hawkins was a retired automobile dealer and rancher. He was the original owner of Hawkins Auto Sales, which was established in 1948. He retired from the auto business in 1970, and continued ranching. Mr. Hawkins served his country in the United States Marine during World War II, and was a 50+ member of the V.F.W.

Survivors include his daughter, Joyce Brown of Lufkin; sons and daughter-in-law, Ronnie and Lynda Hawkins and Kenneth and Tommie Hawkins, all of Lufkin; daughter and son-in-law, Dene and Robert Durant of Lufkin; sister, Addie Hampton of Alto; daughters-in-law, Brenda Warren and Sue Warren, both of Lufkin; 17 grandchildren; 35 greatgrandchildren; 8 great-great grandchildren; and a number of other family members.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Hawkins was preceded in death by his wife, Vela Hawkins; sons, James Warren and Ray Warren; and son-in-law, Lester Brown.

Pallbearers were Ray Brown, Casey Brown, Jason Hawkins, Dwayne Greenwood, Jeffery Durant and Josh Marberry. Honorary pallbearers were Ray Tyler, Bryan Brown, Michael Burnett, Troy Johnson, David Cunningham, Elton James, Richard Lindell, Jarrod Wilson, Kelly Hawkins and Justin Durant.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in Mr. Hawkins' memory to Hospice in the Pines, 116 S. Raguet, Lufkin, Texas 75904. Services for Mr. Hawkins were held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 22, 2008, in the Gipson Funeral Home Chapel, with Reverend Thomas Windham and Pastor David Sarver officiating. Interment followed in the Oakridge Cemetery.