Phillip Victory Hawkins, Jr,.

Phillip Victory Hawkins, Jr., 96, widower of Lila Thames Hawkins, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 9, 2019, at the Patriots Harbor Unit of the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina.

Phil (known as Popa to so many), was born February 11, 1923, in Newton, Kansas, the son of Phillip Victory Hawkins, Sr. and Thelma Sory Hawkins, one of five children. His family relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana, where he attended elementary and graduated high school. After high school, as a member of the greatest generation, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1942. He served his country proudly during World War II, until his honorable discharge in August 1944.

Phil had many opportunities in his life. After his military service he worked for Gas Engine and Electric Company of Charleston for several years. Later he served the Town of Mount Pleasant as one of their first Fire Chiefs at the station located on Royal Avenue. After that he worked as an appraiser for Equifax Corp from where he later retired. After retirement he returned to work for Food Services at The Citadel and then worked for Walmart as the Sporting Goods Manager and a Greeter for over twenty years retiring at age 90.

He was also involved in many fraternal organizations serving them until his death. These include: Masonic Life Member, Past Master of St. James # 275 Masonic Lodge and Chaplain of Fort Moultrie # 428, Order Amaranth, Eastern Star, Past Royal Patron of Lawrence Howell # 7 Order of the Amaranth, Past Grand Royal Patron of South Carolina for the Order of the Amaranth, Past Worthy Patron of Alhambra Chapter # 6 Order of the Eastern Star, White Shrine of Jerusalem #4 and many others. He enjoyed a life-time of traveling to the annual conferences for each of these organizations.

He was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Mt. Pleasant where he was an active member of John Bradham's Sunday School Class, which he faithfully served. He will be remembered for his quick wit, kind heart, big smiles, great appetite, and his love of ice cream!

He is survived by his sister, Margaret Minnich of Indianapolis, Indiana. His granddaughter Lindsey Hawkins Brown (Christopher), of Summerville, SC. His grandson Jason David Hawkins, (Karen) of Charleston, SC. A great grandson, DJ Brown, his former wife, Louise F. O'Neal of Mt Pleasant, SC, Stepdaughter Sarah O'Neal White (James) of Awendaw, SC. Stepson James Carroll O'Neal (Sheryl) of Johns Island, SC., and their children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lila Thames Hawkins, two sisters, a brother and his son Phillip Victory Hawkins, III.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Mt Pleasant, 681 McCants Drive, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464. The family would like to express much gratitude to the many caregivers and doctors both from Hospice of Charleston and the Patriots Harbor Unit at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center of Charleston.

A visitation for family and friends will be held at J. Henry Stuhr's Mount Pleasant Chapel, 1494 Mathis Ferry Road on Friday, July 12, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and the funeral service Saturday, July 13, 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church Mt. Pleasant, 681 McCants Drive, Mt. Pleasant, SC. Interment with military honors will follow at Mt. Pleasant Memorial Gardens.