Eugene Cyril Hawkins

Eugene Cyril Hawkins, Sr., 95, of Montgomery died at his home on Feb. 20, 2016. He was born Sept. 28, 1920, in Marion, N.C., to the late Ella Ina Pinner and Edwin Cheek Hawkins. Gene was married in 1941 at St. John's Episcopal Church and was a member there for 75 years.

He was predeceased by four days by his bride of 74 years, Annie Pitts Hawkins. He is survived by his daughter, Marion (Robert) Smith of Montgomery, and son, Eugene C. (Barbara) Hawkins, Jr. of Asheville, N.C. His grandchildren are Brian (Amanda) Smith, Ashley (Mac) Freeman, Jennifer Smith and Loren (Bobby) Spiller.

He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren: Sawyer, Shepherd and Reid Smith; Mattie, Mac and Annie Barnes Freeman and Robert Spiller. Gene is predeceased by five brothers, Edwin, Hiland, Mack, Zebulon and James Hawkins, and one sister, Nelle Hawkins. He is survived by brother Wilton Hawkins.

Gene participated in many civic activities and was honored to have coached more than 20 seasons of Little League baseball. He was named YMCA Man of the Year in 1966 and served as president of the Dixie Lions Club in 1974. Much of his career was spent in hospital administration and the rest in private business. He continued to work well into his eighties. After retirement, he was named #1 fan of Montgomery Academy sports programs, which he enjoyed and supported.

A visitation will be held Feb. 27 at 10 a.m. followed by an 11 a.m. service at St. John's. Burial will follow at Alabama Heritage. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to YMCA Camp Chandler / Capital Giving, P.O. Box 2336, Montgomery, AL 36104.

.