William "Bill" Hawkins

William “Bill” Hawkins, age 94 of Gardendale AL passed away on June 16, 2024. He is preceded in death by parents, G.C. and Emma Hawkins; brother, Clarence Hawkins and his beloved wife, Louise Hawkins. Bill is survived by his daughters, Delyn Redmond (Charley) and Vickie Taylor (James); six grandchildren, Will Redmond (Jess), Quinn Redmond, Carley Redmond, Torrie Taylor, Jay Taylor and John Taylor; and two great grandchildren. He is also survived by nieces and nephews who he dearly loved. He graduated from Etowah High School in 1946 and from Jacksonville State University in 1951. Bill served his country in in the United States Navy during the Korean War as a physical training instructor and assistant football coach/scout for the Navy football team. Bill is most well-known for coaching high school football for 19 seasons. He was the head coach at Collinsville High School 1955-56, Oneonta High School 1957-1965, Scottsboro High School 1966-1969 and Mortimer Jordan High School 1970-1973. His record was 106-65-13. He finished his career as Assistant Athletic Director and Drivers Education Supervisor for the Jefferson County School system. Bill served as a Gardendale City Councilman from 1984-1996 He was a member and deacon at Gardendale First Baptist Church and a member of the Gardendale Civitans. He received the Alabama High School Athletic Association All Star Football Coach award in 1974. Bill was inducted into the Blount County Sports Hall of Fame in 2009. He was also inducted into the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Hall of Champions in 2016 by the FCA office in Kansas City MO. Only two Alabamians have received this national honor. He also received the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Coach of the Year Award in 2024 by the North Central FCA chapter, this award will be named the Bill Hawkins Coach of the Year Award for future recipients. Most of all Bill was known for his kind heart, amazing sense of humor and love for his family, as well as his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was deeply loved by all who were blessed to know him. The funeral service to honor his life will be held at Gardendale Heritage Funeral Home on Monday, June 24, 2024 at 11am. The family will receive guests for 2 hours prior to service time. Burial will follow in Oakwood Memorial Gardens. Rev. Mark Harrison will officiate. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Fellowship of Christian Athletes at https://my.fca.org/?form=northcentralal and dedicate to Bill Hawkins.

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William "Bill" Hawkins

June 23, 1929 - June 16, 2024