SFC (Ret.) Clay Nelson Hawkins, age 75 of Clarksville, passed away Sunday, August 16, 2015 at Gateway Medical Center. Funeral services will be held 6:00 pm, Wednesday August 19, 2015 at Sykes Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Matthew Kelley officiating and cremation to follow. Family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 4:00 pm until the hour of service.
Clay was born July 7, 1940 in Chilhowie, VA to the late Wiley and Laura Sexton Hawkins. He retired from the United States Army, a two time Vietnam Veteran and served two tours in Korea, earning numerous medals in his career. He was a carpenter, salesman, collector; a master of all trades. Mr. Hawkins loved his dear family, was king of the one liners, and never met a stranger.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers, Dean Hawkins, Roger Hawkins, Bill Hawkins and Jack Hawkins; sisters, Evelyn Pielh, Ruth Barrineau, Linda Widner.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Yvette Hawkins; sons, Marko (Lelia) Hawkins, Eric (Tara) Hawkins; daughter, Juanita (Carl) Heaton; brother, Charlie (Jean) Hawkins; sisters, Wanda (Gary) Ashby, Peggy (Newman) Evans; grandchildren, Zackery Hawkins, Jazmin (Andrew) Arce, Dain Hawkins, Arion Hawkins, Damion Hoover, Drake Hawkins, Isabelle Hawkins; step-grandchildren, Keith Heaton, Mandy Heaton; great-grandchildren, Jayla Arce, Ian Arce, Brian Tillis, and Taylan Arce.