William (Bill) Hawes Sr

William (Bill) Hawes, Sr. 01/24/1932 - 04/30/2017
Roy - God received our special angel on April 30, 2017. William Sr. (Bill, Papa Granddad) was a loving, caring man born January 24, 1932 to Sammie Hawes, Sr. and Ella Lois Garnett in Greenwood, South Carolina. In 1947, he relocated with his family from Appling, GA to Los Angeles, California. After settling in, he worked at a refinery with his father in Gardena CA. On May 4th, 1952 he married Marion "Chic" Shields. From this union they were blessed with their daughter Rosalyn. They later divorced but remained lifelong friends.
On May 28, 1965 he united with Rolene Hamilton in marriage. From this union was born William LaMont. Bill was also the loving father to her three sons, John, James and Gerald. Rolene preceded him in death on October 28th, 1969.
On December 13, 1975, Bill married Alma Ray Greer in the Little Brown Church, in Las Vegas, NV. During their 30 years of marriage they enjoyed family time with Alma Ray's daughter, Linda Greer-Hogg and her children, Darrian "Choo-Choo", James "Passey", and Starr "Princess". They also loved to spend their time fishing, barbecuing, church functions, holidays, and trips.
Bill was a dedicated provider and family man with a penchant for motorcycles and a finely manicured lawn. He humbly served as a deacon in his church, a position that he relished as it gave him many opportunities to share his love of the Lord. Bill gave many years of service as a career truck driver. He was employed for American Refuse in Wasco, CA where he retired in 2001. Bill and Alma Ray briefly relocated to Utah in October, 2002. They returned to Wasco where they remained until Alma Ray's death on December 18, 2005. Bill then returned to Utah in 2007 where he enjoyed his latter days embracing the growth of his great-granddaughter Aliyah and granddaughter Ava Ro - his little angels. They brought him great joy and he felt they were the reason that God continued to bless him on this earthly journey.
He spent many of his days, when weather permitted, listening to the creek, watching the birds, ducks, the trees and scenery that reminded him of his country home. Wherever he was, there were his dogs - Patchy and Lady, faithfully by his side. Bill spent time attending his granddaughters' activities and games. It was also a highlight in his life to witness the many games that his son, LaMont coached and his contributions to the growth and development of his players. Bill was a valued, honorary member of the team and they could always count on his enthusiasm and spirit.
Bill had a special relationship with his grandson, LaMar and his wife, Rachel. They tenderly cared for him while in his senior years. He joyfully looked forward to their backyard barbeques and family parties. Granddad always looked forward to his great-grandson TourAC. visiting and took great interest in his accomplishments and endeavors.
Bill cherished the visits from his daughter, Rosalyn. We were blessed with the tender mercy of a celebratory time together with her visiting in the week before he passed. Bill was a loving leader and patriarch of our family. He will be greatly missed.
Bill is survived by his daughter Rosalyn Hawes, Gardena, California; Grandson LaMar (Rachel) Williams, Great-granddaughter Aliyah, Roy, UT; Great-grandson TourAC. Williams, Grand Junction, CO; Son William LaMont Hawes, Jr (Kathryn), Granddaughter Ava Ro, Grandson Josh, Layton, UT; Surviving family in California, Son John (Tina) Reese; Grandson John Reese III; Granddaughter Tashani (Shirverlion) Reese, Lyric; Son James Reese; Grandson Devon Reese; Daughter Linda Greer-Hogg; Grandson Darrian "Choo-choo" Hawes; Great-granddaughters Satori, Amir, Vivian; Great-grandsons Collin, Darrieon; Grandson James "Passey" Burgess; Granddaughter Starr "Princess" Burgess; Sister, Ella Mae Marshall; Sister Verdell (Oscar) Campbell; Vivian Hawes; Rupert-Perkie Polk; Brother Sammie (Barbara) Hawes, Jr: Roy (Linda) Hawes; Brother Robert Hawes; Sister-in-law, Michelle Hawes; Uncle Granville (Geneva) Hawes; He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, grandnephews, grandneices and many other extended family and friends. Special acknowledgements to his former boss and friend, John Martin of Wasco, CA; and Lynette (Steve) Blevins, Wasco, CA.
He is preceded in death by his parents; Sister Orissa Jones; Brother David Hawes; Son Gerald Lamar Reese; Niece Teresa "Cookie" Estrada, Nephew Byron Campbell.
Memorial services will take place on Saturday May 13, 2017, at 2 p.m. at Second Baptist Church located at 227 27th St, Ogden, UT 84401.
ServiceSecond Baptist Church
227 27th Street
Ogden, UT 84401
May 13, 2017
2:00 PM