Source: http://familyowned.net/obituary_view/10024603

Earl Gaines Hawkins, Jr.
December 25, 1924 - December 4, 2011

Earl G. Hawkins Jr., our dear friend Earl, died Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011.

Service: In Earl's style, there will be a private burial in Laurel, Miss., and a crawfish boil in the spring to celebrate his life.

Memorials: Tarrant County Food Bank or a charity of choice, in lieu of flowers.

He was known to us as Dad, Grandpa, Red, Hawk, Uncle Earl, PawPaw, friend and neighbor. He was raised in Missisippi and enlisted in the Navy near the start of World War II and served on the USS Caperton all over the South Pacific. His was the second ship into Tokyo Bay for the surrender of Japan.

Earl was a certified scuba diver, counselor at the Star House in Fort Worth and his home was a frequent place for impromptu AA meetings. He was a pilot, an air traffic controller and a Mason.

Earl was short of stature and huge of heart. He had friends all over the world in regular communication with him. He had a constant stream of kids in his life, many of whom considered him Dad or Uncle Earl. He found work in his home and yard frequently for youngsters to earn spending money up until the very end.

Happy trails, Earl. Happy trails.

Survivors: His beloved sons, Phillip Hawkins and Greg Gazaway; grandsons, Luke and Blake Gazaway; sister, Virgie Tupa of Laurel, Miss.; many nieces and nephews; and countless friends.