He was born on April 5, 1939, in Warren County, the son of William Franklin Hawes and Emma Mabel Stickley.

He met the love of his life, Bessie Louise Knave Hawes, at the age of 15 and they were married five years later on Dec. 12, 1959.

He and his wife owned and operated Poplar Hill Exxon in Lexington for 25 years. He was also known as the man who could fix your sewing machine. Bill was an avid gardener and reader of all things but especially the Bible, history and Louis L’Amour westerns. Above all else he was a faithful Christian, husband, father and grandfather who loved the Lord and his family with all his heart.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Hawes Compton.

In addition to his wife, Bessie, Bill is survived by three children, sons Dennis Hawes, Bruce Hawes and his wife Wendy, all of Buena Vista; daughter Karen Hawes of Salem, Virginia; two grandsons, Lovell “Billy” William Hawes II and Joshua Hawes, and one granddaughter, Kelsey Hawes, all of Buena Vista. Also surviving are his brother, Robert Hawes (Bob) of Springfield and his sister, Bunny Funk of Front Royal, and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral was conducted Tuesday, March 12, at Blue Ridge Baptist Church in Buena Vista by Pastor Ralph Coleman. Burial followed at Rockbridge Memorial Gardens in Lexington. Serving as pallbearers were Billy Hawes, Joshua Hawes, Ricky Armstrong, Sam Campbell, Larry Moore and Vernon Reynolds. Honorary pallbearers were Kelsey Hawes and Mike Kulp.

Arrangements were by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory. N-G