James Dillard Hawkins Sr

James Dillard Hawkins, Sr. passed away at his home at Cherokee Corner, Arnoldsville, Georgia on November 19, 2016. He was born June 15, 1921 to the late Thaddeus Henry Hawkins, Sr. and Mary Dillard Hawkins at Athens General Hospital and was reported by doctors to be the first baby born there. His mother died there three days later, and he was raised by a loving stepmother, Florence Bell Bowling, with much help from his mother's sisters. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Jennie Elizabeth Strother and his half brother, Thaddeus Henry Hawkins, Jr. He is survived by three children, James (Jim) D. Hawkins, Jr., Mary Elizabeth Hawkins Nouri, and William (Bill) Richard Hawkins and his wife Susan Leverett Hawkins and their two children, William Russell Hawkins and Elizabeth Jennings Hawkins.

Dillard graduated from Arnoldsville High School, North Georgia College and the University of Georgia, and served as a supply officer in the Army Air Corp during WWII. He worked for many years with his father in law and brother in law at George F. Strother Lumber Co. as bookkeeper, and later as bookkeeper for Athens Hardware Co. He was a member of the Athens Optimist Club, The Oglethorpe County Civic Club, The Oglethorpe County Farm Bureau and the Oglethorpe County Supper Club, and a faithful member and steward of Cherokee Corner Methodist Church. Except for time spent attending North Georgia College and serving in World War II, Dillard lived his entire life on his farm at Cherokee Corner where he and Elizabeth enjoyed raising Herford cattle and three children.

Interment will be at the family plot in Oconee Hill Cemetery, 10:00AM November 22nd followed by a memorial service at Lord and Stephens East at 11:00. The family will receive visitors Monday evening at Lord and Stephens from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Methodist Children's Home.