John M. Hawkins departed this life on Thursday June 5, 2008 at the Civista Medical Center, LaPlata, Maryland. Surrounded by his family, he quietly and peacefully slipped away from us leaving a void that only God can fill.

John was born to the late Frances and the late Levi Hawkins on September 28, 1940 in Gallingen Municipal Hospital.

John was educated in the public school system of Washington D.C. and Charles County, Maryland. It was also then that he was baptized at the Church of the Incarnation, in Washington, D.C.

John worked for the Archbishop Neale School for many years. He also worked at Naval Research Laboratory and Naval Surface Warfare Center until his illness.

John was a diehard Redskins fan and he also loved "some Beyonce'." He enjoyed women's basketball, bowling, boxing, baseball, swimming, going to the racetrack, singing, playing his guitar and listening to his oldies but goodies. He also enjoyed watching old westerns, horror movies and spending time with the fellas at Buddy's. But what gave him the most fulfillment was spending time with his children and grandchildren and not to mention watching the Washington Redskins defeat the Dallas Cowgirls (as John would say).

John was a kind hearted, caring, funny and generous man that would do anything for his family and friends including giving you the shirt off his back.

John was preceded in his death by his parents Frances and Levi, his brothers Reginald, Michael, Levi, Walter, Joseph (Pat) and sisters Frances and Patricia, father-in-law Richard Lewis(Dick), uncle and closest friend Roger Chase(Proc).

John leaves to cherish and celebrate his memories, wife, Florine, two daughters Denette Renfroe (David Jr.), and Denell Warren, three sons Darrell, Dwain and Derrick, 10 grandchildren Dwain Jr., Danielle, Darius, Darrell Jr., Davonna, Danae, Brandon, DaNisha, David III, and Dinari. One sister Ruth Marie, special niece Edith Rebecca Warren, Two brothers Nathan and James (Larry), mother-in-law Mary (Peggy) Lewis, sister-in-law, Margaret, Shirley, Leona, Marva Smith, Deborah Koonce, Deidre Reid, Leslie Taylor(Perry), brother-in-law, Kenny (Tracy), Larry, Leroy Mason(Mary), Rickey and Carlton Penny(Catherine), and a host of other relatives and friends.

His viewing will be held on Monday, June 16th, 9:00am until time of service 11:00am, Thornton Funeral Home Chapel, 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, MD. Interment St. Charles Cemetery, Glymont, MD.

Arrangements provided by Thornton Funeral Home.