William Lee Hawkins, 56, of Warsaw, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at 12:35 AM, Thursday, April 2 2020, at his home.

In Hammond, on October 12, 1963, Bill was born a treasured son of  Leamon and Bonnie Cunningham Hawkins. As one of seven, growing up he shared his childhood with three sisters and three brothers.  Bill graduated in 1982 from Tippecanoe Valley High School.  He  was a member of the Viking football team.

On October 16, 1987,  Bill married the love of his life, Miss Wanda Tackett,  in Jackson, TN. Thirty-three years ago Bill proposed to his beautiful wife to be on April Fools day.  They built a relationship that evolved into  32 years of life's adventures, making many memories.

For 25 years, William was the Director of Quality Control for Valspar.  He also taught classes with skills for utilizing paints and stain.  Talented with his hands, Bill was passionate about woodworking.  He created custom furniture from benches, tool boxes to flower pots.  He had an eye and a wealth of knowledge on a variety species of wood.  Bill once made a bench from  Babinga, a rare African hardwood.

An avid fisherman, Bill stood on the banks of many ponds, landing the catch of day with skill and finesse.  To relax he followed the Chicago Bears, with  # 34 Walter Payton as his favorite player..  A man with a huge heart, Bill's greatest attributes was his thoughtfulness and giving heart.  He was ALWAYS there for his family and friends.  Christmas 2019, Bill showed up to the family celebration as Santa Claus making many memories.

Bill is lovingly remembered by his wife, Wanda; four sisters:  Barbara Glodder of  Algonquin, IL,  Angela Marshall, and Tonia Arroyo, both of Akron, and Tammy Warren;  two brothers: David Smith Nicholas  and Rudy of Logansport,  and Pernell Marshall of Nappanee;  and several nieces and nephews.  Also surviving are his two canine companions,  the long haired chihuahuas Ody and Jerry.

Preceding William in death are his parents Leamon and Bonnie Hawkins, and a brother, Harold Hawkins.

A private family celebration of the life of Bill Hawkins will be held in the Good Family Funeral Home.  It will be streamed live on the dedicated Facebook page JD Good. Tune in at 2:00 PM, Monday, April 6, 2020 and join us.  Pastor Karla Quiroz will officiate. Interment will follow in the Athens Hoover Cemetery.