Henry Franklin Hawkins

Henry Franklin Hawkins, age 85, went to be with the Lord Monday September 11, 2017 in the hospital at Springhill Baptist Health in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Born February 2, 1932 in Cushman, Arkansas. Franklin is survived by his wife, Lula Mae Hawkins of Cabot; daughter, Donna Hawkins Gwinn of Jonesboro; and son Henry Hawkins and wife Sharon of Cabot, and daughter-in-law, Penny Hawkins of Cabot. Franklin was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Ella Sue Hawkins; son, Larry Hawkins; and grandson, Henry Dakota Hawkins all of Cabot; and brother, Leonard of Utah. He is survived by a brother, Ralph Hawkins of Bald Knob; five grandchildren: Bethany and husband David Miller of Jonesboro; Callie Hawkins of Cabot; Riley Hawkins and wife Kristi-Paige of North Little Rock; Jacob Hawkins of Cabot; and Quinn Hawkins of Cabot along with three great-grandchildren: Ella Cate, Annalisa Claire, and Henry Paul. At a tender young age, Franklin became a self-sufficient and self-made man. Born of the late Henry Esbert and Lillie Bell Prior of Cushman, and at age six, he was orphaned and on his own. At the age of 16, the late Faite and Altha Denniston of Pleasant Plains brought him into their own family. He is also survived by three sisters; Shirley and husband Floyd of Branson, Missouri; Ruby and husband Wayne Stevens of Searcy; and Dorothy Pearson of Memphis, Tennessee and their loving families. Franklin had two step-sons, Robert and Phillip Leonard and their loving families of Monticello; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. A strong Christian man and deacon, Franklin was a member of Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Cabot. An honorable man and a great provider, he proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Military Police Officer for two years. He was employed with GTE Corporation for 34 years. Following his retirement, he worked for Cabot Public Schools as a security guard for several years. A dedicated family man, Franklin treasured time spent with family. He valued people of all ages and had a genuine love and concern for their well being. He will be remembered by many for the countless hours spent on the baseball fields coaching his children and their friends, investing in the lives of many young people. Visitation will be Wednesday September 13 at 10 a.m. followed by the Celebration of Life service at 11 a.m. at Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Cabot. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial contribution to Keep the Faith Foundation for Children Fighting Cancer at ktffoundation.org, 301 Bill Foster Memorial Hwy Cabot, Ark. 72023. Arrangements by Moore's Cabot Funeral Home. (501) 843-5816. Online guestbook: www.moorescabotfuneralhome.com.