Robert Hawks' Obituary
Robert Edwin (“Rob”) Hawks, of Mooresville, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, age 64, passed away on Tuesday morning, the 2nd of August 2022, on Lake Norman in a tragic skiing accident near his residence in Mooresville, North Carolina.
He was born on May 10, 1958 in Norfolk, VA to Homer Jefferson Hawks, Jr. and Martha Bond Hawks. Rob spent the majority of his childhood in the Chicago area and graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1979, where he majored in Business Administration and minored in Aviation.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Jeff, and his mother, Martha.
In addition to his father, Homer Hawks, survivors include the love of his life, wife of 34 years, Barbara Hawks; son Kyle Hawks and wife Macie and grandchildren, Claire and Eleanor; daughter Hannah Hawks of Davidson; sister, Lainy Wick and husband Doug, and many nieces and nephews.
Rob, affectionately known as “Papa” to his grandchildren, was dedicated to his family, his career, and his many hobbies. Solid, stable, kind, and fair, Rob made everyone around him feel welcome and comfortable. He loved to talk about his kids, his remote control airplanes, and his landscaping plans for the front yard. He had a great sense of humor and wasn’t afraid to be silly if it would make his kids and grandkids smile.
As a line check airman and FAA designee, Rob trained a generation of pilots at United Airlines, where he spent over 30 years of his life. He loved flying and had particular joy in seeing his daughter, Hannah, follow in his footsteps and start her career as a third generation airline pilot. He was also incredibly proud of his son, Kyle, and his dedicated military service to our country.
Rob was athletic and felt at home in the outdoors. He enjoyed water skiing, boating, hiking, and cycling with friends and family. He and his wife, Barb, loved staying active and rode a tandem bicycle together. In recent years they were able to combine their shared passions of travel and cycling, having explored Ireland and Croatia by bicycle.
The unimaginable loss of Rob has left a devastating hole in the hearts of so many. He was a man of great faith and while it is difficult to imagine a world without his open, kind heart and easy smile, we know he is with God.
A service to celebrate his life will be held at 3pm Sunday, August 7th at Williamson’s Chapel U.M.C. in Mooresville, NC. Reception will follow in the fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in his name to:
Riverside Aeromodelers Society
P.O. Box 591
King, NC 27021
https://riversiderc.com
[email protected]
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