Thad Hawkins

Published 12:01 am Monday, March 19, 2018

MADISON — Services for Thad Hawkins Jr., 86, of Gulfport, who died Friday, March 16, 2018, in Canon Hospice in Gulfport, will be noon Tuesday at Natchez Trace Funeral Home in Madison.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time Tuesday at the funeral home.

Mr. Hawkins was born on Dec. 14, 1931, the son of Thad Hawkins Sr. and Johnnye Hawkins. A native of Dermott, Ark., he spent most of his adult life in Jackson. He was a founding member of JH&H Architects and Engineers and served as chairman of the board for Mediplex Nursing Home Company until his retirement. He was active in civic and church affairs, serving as chairman of the board of the Jackson YMCA and Southwest YMCA, chairman of the board for Youth for Christ and a board member of Young Life. He was also a longtime member of the Jackson Club.

Mr. Hawkins served as chairman of the deacons at First Baptist Church of Jackson and later at Colonial Heights Baptist Church of Jackson. He served for many years on the board of trustees for two Southern Baptist seminaries, Mid America Baptist Theological Seminary in Memphis, Tenn., and Golden Gate Seminary in San Francisco.

Mr. Hawkins served his community quietly and modestly. He loved hunting and was an enthusiastic tennis player. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, John Edward Hawkins.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Sarah Clinton Hawkins; four sons, Steve Hawkins and wife, Linda, Scott Hawkins of Natchez, David Hawkins and Rusty Hawkins and wife, Kerri; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association – Mississippi Chapter, 207 West Jackson Street, Suite 1, Ridgeland, Miss. 39157.