Porter Woodrow Hawkins

Porter W. Hawkins, 91 of Alexander, died Sunday, January 20, 2008, at the Brian Center. Mr. Hawkins was a native of Buncombe Co. and was a son of the late Rivers and Lucinda Martin Hawkins. He was also preceded in death by two sisters and four brothers. Mr. Hawkins retired from Burlington Industries after 43 years. He was a member of French Broad Baptist Church for more than 70 years. Mr. Hawkins is survived by his wife of 71 years, Ruby Meadows Hawkins; daughters. Elizabeth H. Edwards and husband Arnold, of Alexander, and Shelia H. Amerson and husband Andrew, of Asheville; son Wayne Hawkins and wife Joann G. Hawkins, of Alexander; sisters, Onnie Rash, and Genevieve Meadows, both of Weaverville; four grandchildren, Laura Boyte, Lisa McCarson, Heather Haygood, Jeremy Amerson; and four great-grandchildren, Justin and Lindsey Boyte, Kayla McCarson, and Shanlee Haygood. A funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday at French Broad Baptist Church with the Revs. Dean Haney and Everette Haney officiating. Interment will follow at the French Broad Baptist Cemetery. His family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave.