Paul Flemming Hawkins

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Paul Flemming Hawkins, on May 8, 2026. He was born on April 13, 1944, in Franklin Co, Va to the late Paul Jones Hawkins and Frances Rakes Hawkins.

He grew up in Winston-Salem, graduating from Mineral Springs High School. In 1964, Paul went to work for his stepfather at Sealtest Dairy Co. In 1965, Paul served in the National Guard and the US Army Reserve in Virginia and at Ft. Huachuca, AZ and El Paso, TX, until 1971.

On October 15, 1965, Paul married Peggy Vannoy in Winston-Salem. Together they shared many interests and enjoyed traveling together; whether by car or cruise, to places like Alaska, Australia and New Zealand. In 1970, Paul left Sealtest to take a position at Stroh’s Brewing in Winston-Salem and worked there for 29.5 years, retiring early when they closed their doors in 1999.

He was always a “car man.” As a pastime with friends, he converted old cars into street rods and took them all over the southeast to car shows. He also loved the Atlanta Braves and never missed an inning, even if the game lasted until 3am.

Paul lived by the commandment to “love thy neighbor,” as he took great pleasure in helping others. His helpful reputation preceded him, as new neighbors were often welcomed and informed to go to Paul if they needed help with anything. From repairing lawn mowers, or retrieving chainsaws stuck in a tree, or chasing snakes out of a neighbor’s home! That was Paul, always willing to help.

Paul was a member of New Friendship Baptist Church, and he deeply loved his church family.

He was often noticed for being easy-going, caring, agreeable and generous. He was loved beyond measure and will be deeply missed.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 60 years, Peggy Hawkins; sisters-in-law Joanne N. Goetz and Joyce Vannoy; brother-in-law Dennis Taylor; niece Heather Busher (Sean); great niece, Mirabelle, and numerous cousins between Texas, Virginia and Madison, NC.

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his sister-in-law Rita Taylor, and brothers-in-law “Sonny” Vannoy and Milt A. Goetz.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, May 15, 2026, at New Friendship Baptist Church with Pastor Chris Byrne officiating. Burial will follow the service at Westlawn Gardens of Memory. The family will receive friends from 5:30-7:30pm, Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Paul’s honor may be made to New Friendship Baptist Church (4258 Old Lexington Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27107) and Cancer Services, Inc., (3175 Maplewood Ave., Winston-Salem, NC 27103.)