Major Richard C. Hawkins, USAF, 91, of Summerville, SC, passed away on September 30, 2024. Born May 8, 1933, in Axtell, KS, to Hilary and Ruth Hawkins, Dick grew up on the family farm. Dick received a BS in Business Administration from Kansas State University, where he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon. He married Norma Gale Wilhoit in 1958 after he graduated as an Officer from the Aviation Cadet program. Dick served with honor in the US Air Force from 1956 to 1977. During his military career, Dick was stationed in the US and abroad in Guam, Spain, and Thailand. He was recognized for his role in numerous operations during his career. Notably, he was involved in the recovery of four hydrogen bombs from a midair collision in the Palomares Incident in Spain. Additionally, Dick was involved in Operation Igloo White, a covert operation which dropped electronic sensors on the Ho Chi Minh Trail. He also had an appointment to the FAA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. as the military liaison officer.

After his retirement from active duty in 1977, Dick moved to Summerville, SC, and focused on his second career. He owned Hawkins Tax and Business Services in North Charleston where he tirelessly provided accounting and tax services to his clients. Dick served his clients into his 80's before retiring a second time. Dick and Norma lived in Summerville for 46 years before moving to the Kempton of Charleston in 2023. Dick will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his country, family, and friends as well as the love and joy he brought to all.

Dick was preceded in death by Norma, his beloved spouse of 65 years, and his sister, Shirley Haley. He is survived by his children, Rick Hawkins (Tracy) of Summerfield, NC and Cheryl May Steadman (Paul) of Charleston; his grandchildren, Chelsea Handegan (Jack) of Charleston, Palmer Steadman of NYC, Kyle Gassaway (Kelci) of Winston-Salem, NC, Ryan Gassaway (Laura) of Cary, NC, and Hailey Hawkins of Summerfield, NC; and five great-grandchildren. A graveside service with military honors will be held on October 19th at 3:00pm at Magnolia Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.