Dillard Hawkins

Dillard Hawkins was born June 16, 1935 in Athens, GA. to the late Joseph and Janie Hawkins. He moved to Kilgore, TX, at age 18 where he later met his wife of 46 years, the late Verna (Katie) Hawkins. Through this union 3 children were born. Dillard worked downtown Kilgore at aocal Barber Shop at an early age. He later opened his own night club. The Silver Slipper later known as the 20 Grand Club. He then opened his own restaurant Eat-A-Bite Barbeque where he retired after 25 years. Dillard was a self-made entrepreneur. He was a man with a big Heart and Big Ideas. He loved people and he loved to Give. Most of all he loved his family and enjoyed being around them. He was a Pillar of the Community and a Leader. Dillard is survived by son, Gregory Keith Hawkins and daughter-in-law Tonya of Kilgore, TX. two daughters, Shelia Hawkins Clanton and son-in-law Earl Clanton of Arlington, TX., Kim Hawkins of Gladewater, TX., Two brothers, Grady Hawkins of Athens, GA., and Frank Hawkins of Atlanta, Ga., Six sisters, Clara Hawkins and Elizabeth Thompson of Athens, Ga., Fannie Twilley, Lutitia Ealey,and Annie Hawkins Brooks of Washington, D.C., and Sandra Lee of Atlanta, Ga., 10 grandchildren, Natasha Hawkins, Denisha Hawkins Johnson, Amelia Hawkins, Amber Hawkins, Brandon Williams, and Paige Robinson all of the DFW area. Kuore Thompson, Rayshawn Thompson, Arekia Thompson, and Abril Hawkins of Kilgore, Texas. 3 great-grandchildren, Jaiden Marie Thompson, Amyia Kurayania Thompson, and Kaylee Johnson of GrandPrarie, Tx; 2 special nieces, Synthia Hawkins, and Evette Dillard of Athens, GA., 1 Great-aunt Ophelia Dillard (Aunt Missy) of Athens, GA., 2 God-daughters, Rose Roberson of Tyler, TX.,and Cherry Pittman of Longview, TX., He is preceded in death by 3 brothers, Robert Hawkins, Alonzo Hawkins, and Mathew Hawkins and one sister Josie Stroud. He was truly loved and will be missed dearly.