NEWBERRY — George Robert Hawkins Sr. of 1714 Harper St., Newberry, died Friday, Nov. 30, 2012 at his residence.

Born on July 27, 1925, in Newberry, he was the son of the late George Pearson Hawkins and Mamie Boozer Hawkins.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Hawkins was preceded in death by his wife, Caroline Huffman Hawkins and a son, John Adam Hawkins.

He was a retired executive of the Kendall Company, having managed both the Mollohon and Oakland plants in Newberry. He designed and oversaw construction and start-up of a yarn manufacturing plant in Albertville, Ala. According to the controller of the Textile Division, it was the first construction project at Kendall that started up profitably. He remembered his days at Mollohon and Oakland and the enjoyment of walking the floor and speaking to friends and employees.

Mr. Hawkins was a WW II veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and a 1952 graduate of Clemson University. He was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, IPTAY and the Clemson Alumni Association for 61 years. He was also a member and past president of the Newberry Lions Club and a Life Member of Amity Masonic Lodge #87 for over 63 years.

Mr. Hawkins is survived by his dear friend, Ms. Frances B. Dickert; three sons, George Robert Hawkins Jr. (Sue) of Raleigh, N.C., Carroll Bruce Hawkins (Karen) of North Charleston and William Huffman Hawkins (Judi) of Camden; grandchildren, Melissa H. Senn (Rusty) of Columbia, R. William Hawkins of Gainesville, Ga., Jennifer H. Boykin (John), Sarah E. Hawkins and Kellie M. Hawkins all of Camden, and Toni H. Cranfield (Donnie) of Temecula, Calif.; two great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Graveside funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m. Monday at Rosemont Cemetery by the Rev. Jan Setzler. Visitation was held from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, at the Whitaker Funeral Home, 1704 College St., Newberry.

Honorary pallbearers will be Nelda Jay, Peggy Schumpert, Bubba and Lou Weir, and Jimmy and Berdetta Dennis.

Memorials are suggested to American Cancer Society, c/o Jennifer Rogers, 303 West Alexander, Suite 1, Greenwood, SC 29646.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com.

Whitaker Funeral Home of Newberry is assisting the family.