Edward Charles “Tippy” Hawkins, 68, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away on Friday, September 2, 2022. Born May 27, 1954, in Madison, Tennessee, he was the son of the late Walter T. Hawkins and Nellie Ruth Dotson.

Tippy was a 1973 graduate of Madison High School where he was an athlete, participating in football, track, and wrestling where he was honored as All NIL in football.

A member of Shelby Avenue Baptist Church, Nashville, he served as a Deacon. Always active in missions and ministry through the church, he was a charter commissioned member of the FAITHRiders Motorcycle Ministry of the church, serving on the board for several years. Always active in Sunday School, he and his wife Peggy led groups from high school to College & Career to Adults. He participated in mission activities including The Nashville Baptist Association as a NBA Toy Store Volunteer for many years and mission trips to the Bonnaroo Music Festival, working with The Tennessee Baptist Convention. He was also active in church softball, volleyball and basketball teams.

An avid golfer, fisherman, and hunter in his younger years, he truly enjoyed the outdoors. He umpired, coached, and served on the board of directors at Jess Neely Jr. Athletics in Shelby Park and in The Men’s Club of Stratford High School where he maintained the football field in the 1990’s.

He loved to travel. He and his wife, Peggy, enjoyed many cruises all over The Caribbean and even a transcanal cruise through the entire Panama Canal from Miami to San Diego, vacations in Florida, Georgia, and Cancun, Mexico. Upon retirement, they found a renewed spirit in traveling in their rv camping, especially on lakes and rivers.

His zest for life was unmatched. He never met a stranger. His calling in his community led to being the “grandaddy” to everyone. He became the community Santa, being adored by the children, parents and families in his community. In that role, he visited Women’s & Children’s Shelters, Church Groups, and Civic Organizations volunteering his Christmas cheer.

Above all, he loved his family and his church. As a husband, he was truly the hardest working, strong man who was willing to always go the extra mile. As a father, he was always involved in Cale’s activities and supportive as a volunteer, cheerleader, and guide. In his role as “Granddaddy” he was unmatched. His love for Tristan was immeasurable. He adored his furbaby, Eli Blue, who he and Peggy adopted following their retirement.

A retiree from the Metro Water Services, his years of service was not only his employment, it gave him lifelong friendships that exist today. His love for people and his honesty as a straight shooter in relationships always endeared him to his friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Thomas “Tommy” Hawkins.

He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Peggy Hawkins; son Cale Hawkins; grandson Tristan; sister Carol (Jerry) Johns; brother William “Billy” Hawkins; nieces Tracee and Crystal; nephew Chris; and his trusted companion and furbaby, Eli.

Visitation will be Wednesday, September 7, from 4 pm until 8 pm at Spring Hill Funeral Home in Nashville. A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, September 8 at 12 PM noon with Rev. Clay Faircloth officiating. Burial will follow in the Historic Spring Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be friends and family.

Honorary Pallbearers: The Deacons of Shelby Avenue Baptist Church, Members of The Shelby Avenue FAITHRiders, Metro Water Service Employees and Retirees, and his local community and neighbors “The Lower Barclay Friends and Families”

Well done, thy good and faithful servant. You have fought the good fight, you have finished the course.

Arrangements entrusted to Spring Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Road, Nashville, TN 37216. “Where Nashville Comes to Remember.”