Joel Bobby “Joe” Hawkins, 81, of Westminster, MD, died Friday, September 9, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. Born September 1, 1935 in Waynesville, NC, he was the son of the late Jack and Hillis (Caldwell) Hawkins. He was the devoted husband of Alice (Robertson) Hawkins, to whom he was married for 59 years.
Joe was a graduate of Sykesville High School, class of 1954. He was a Korean War veteran, serving in the United States Marine Corps as an M.P. He was employed for many years by S. Lease Warner, a local company. He then worked for and retired from the Southern States Company. In retirement, Joe became a bus driver for Carroll County Public Schools. He drove Bus #63 for 18 years, and substituted for several other drivers as well. He was a 50-year member of the Pleasant Valley Community Fire Company, and was a proud volunteer for the Maryland Youth Hunter Education Challenge. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and spending time outdoors.
Joe was a man of faith, and served as a deacon for many years at Frizzellburg Bible Church. He was a loving, kind, and generous person, and in turn was loved by many. He was a wonderful family man who set a good example of honesty, generosity, and love. He enjoyed working with young people and children of all ages.
Surviving in addition to his loving and devoted wife Alice, are daughter, JoAnn Ranoull and husband Alan of Westminster; grandsons, Christopher Ranoull and wife Nicole, and Matthew Ranoull, all of Westminster; great-granddaughter, Bailey Ranoull; his twin sister, Jewell Geouge and husband Doug of Westminster, brother, Earl Hawkins and wife Mary of Westminster; 3 other sisters, Susie Garver and husband Paul of Taneytown, Linda Lantz of Westminster, and Marcella Hansen and husband Jim of Selbyville, DE; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by 3 sisters, Peggy Staub, Grace Glaser, and Wanda Derr.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at Frizzellburg Bible Church, 1905 Frizzellburg Rd, Westminster, 21158 with Pastor Andrew Reisberg officiating. Interment will follow at Meadow Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Monday at MYERS-DURBORAW FUNERAL HOME, 91 Willis Street, Westminster, MD. A Pleasant Valley Fire Company Memorial Service will be held at 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Frizzellburg Bible Church at the above address.