James Hawkins

James Paul Hawkins, 84, of 1 Patrick Drive, Canton, died Friday, Feb. 27, 2004, at the VA Hospital in Oteen, surrounded by family and friends.

A native of Gaston county, he was born April 14, 1919. He was the son of the late James and Arletha Hawkins of Gastonia. He moved to Canton at age 17 and worked for Champion Paper & Fiber Company. Later, he became a Master Bricklayer and built many of the schools, churches, and homes in the WNC area. He was a World War II veteran serving with the Army. He was an avid baseball fan and played softball for the Champion and YMCA teams in Canton. As an accomplished musician, he played steel guitar with Chet Atkins in his early 20's before settling down to raise a family. He loved to fish, and in 1979 caught the Tennessee state record striped bass on Lake Cherokee.
Paul will be remembered for his love of life, easy nature, great sense of humor and for making friends of all ages everywhere he went.
Paul is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Thelma Hawkins of Canton; his devoted daughter, Patsy Howell of Candler; grandson, Jeffrey Howell and his wife, Samantha; great-grandson, Jackson, of Asheville; grandson, Alan Howell; great-grandson, Donovan of Candler; granddaughter, Jamie Fuentes and her husband, Claudio, of Candler; and brother, Hardin Hawkins and family, of Gastonia.

The family will receive friends Monday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Wells Funeral Home in Canton. Military graveside services will be conducted by the VFW Post 5202 and American Legion 47 on Monday at 2 p.m. at Green Hill cemetery in Waynesville. The Rev. R.H. ''Bud'' Lance will officiate.

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