Thomas Hawkins, III

Biography Lewisburg businessman Thomas Hale "Tommy" Hawkins III died unexpectedly Thursday morning. He was 68. Tommy was well known throughout Tennessee as a family man who loved his family, friends and community.

Hawkins was the patriarch of Lewisburg Printing and also the publisher of the Lewisburg Tribune and the Marshall County Gazette until 2005. Tommy began his career working alongside his father and uncle at Lewisburg Printing and later continued the family tradition turning over the business to his three children. Under his leadership, the company has grown from a local printing company to one of the largest printing companies in Tennessee.

This compassionate family man loved life and was a pillar of the community and a true friend to many. Tommy worked hard and played hard and was known to many for his big smile and winning personality.

Tommy gave generously of his time in Marshall County, Tennessee and beyond. His long list of accomplishments and involvement include:

2005 Print Industry Association (PIAS) Man of the Year

Trustee for Printing Disability Trust

TSSAA Distinguished Service Award & Recognition

Active Member of Marshall County's many athletic clubs

First Commerce Bank (Lewisburg, TN) Board Member and Co-Founder

Member of Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association

Chairman of the PIAS Government Affairs Committee

Member of the PIAS Finance Committee

PIAS Treasurer

First and Second Chairman of PIAS

Chairman of PIAS Board of Directors

Inductee into Print Industries of America's Ash Kahn Honor Society, a society established in 1950 to honor members of the Print Industries of America for their contributions and service to the printing industry at local affiliates and national association levels.

Marshall County Recreation Board Member (20 years)

Chairman of the Democratic Party of Marshall County

Lions Club Member

Member of Marshall County Chamber of Commerce

Elks Club Member and Elk of the Year

Tommy and his lovely wife Patricia made their home in Lewisburg, Tennessee. Tommy is survived by his wife of forty-five years Patricia Hawkins; three children and their spouses Hale Hawkins, Kathryn Hawkins, Re Hawkins Kelso, Kirk Kelso and Timothy Hawkins and six grandchildren Stephen Power Johnson, Marsha Haley Hawkins, Thomas Hale Hawkins V, Anna Marie Hawkins, Robert Coble Hawkins and Jackson Bennett Kelso. Also surviving is step-mother Carolyn Hawkins, step-brother John T. Boyd and father-in-law Bobby Bennett.
Tommy and his wife Patricia enjoyed retirement and their many interests; primarily traveling and watching their six grandchildren grow up. He is remembered as a "good father, grandfather and husband," according to a statement from the family. "He will truly be missed."
Funeral services for Thomas Hale "Tommy" Hawkins III will be at 7 p.m. Monday at Bills-McGaugh Funeral Home in Lewisburg, Tennessee. Visitation is from 2-7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home..
The Rev. Jeff Eason of First Presbyterian Church will officiate at the funeral as well as the burial on Tuesday at 11 a.m. in Lone Oak Cemetery.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.bills-mcgaugh.com.
Bills-McGaugh Funeral Home of Lewisburg, TN is in charge of the arrangements.