Mr. William F. Hawkins, "Will", was born and reared in Waynesfield, OH. He grew up with eleven brothers and sisters even though they were never all in the same house at the same time. Immediately following high school, he entered the Air Force where he was stationed in Thailand as an aircraft mechanic. After being honorably discharged in Las Vegas, NV he resided & worked there for several years. He then moved to Opp to take care of his aging parents who had decided to retire in Opp. While caring for them he met the love of his life, Elaine. The were married in 2002. It was then that he became a CDL instructor in Opp and Evergreen for McArthur Tech & Reid State College.

Will was very active and involved at the Opp Church of Christ driving the bus, changing the sign, and helping any way he could. He was also involved at Crossover Ministry, giving devotionals weekly.

Will had an endearing personality which he portrayed all the way to the end as he looked over at a nurse in the VA home and gave her a smile and that special look in his eyes.

He was a character! His favorite things to do were go to church, go to Benton's Snack Bar to eat, and riding around the lake almost daily. And don't forget "ROLL TIDE" even though he loved Auburn, too!

Will was preceded in death by his parents, Melvina & Melvin Hawkins; and siblings, Mervin, Stanley and Theresa. He is survived by his wife, Elaine; and siblings, Mark (Sharon), Michael (Carolyn), Norman, Johnny, Rebecca, Melanie (Albert), Alegra and Kimberly.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 2:00 pm Wednesday, January 29, 2025 in Peaceful Acres Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held at Wyatt Funeral Home one hour prior to the service. Trey Poole will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, Opp Church of Christ or Crossover Ministry in Opp.