Robert Carroll Hawkins, born November 25, 1943 in Birmingham, Alabama, died peacefully on November 12, 2020, surrounded by love and the Holy Spirit after battling Parkinson’s disease diagnosis for 5 long years.

He is preceded in death by his parents, George & Hazel Ferguson Hawkins. He is survived by his loving, devoted wife and best friend, and devoted caregiver who was always by his side for 22+ years, Christine Perry Hawkins (Chrisie - Daisy), his children: Robert Brian Hawkins (Stephanie), Deanna Ruth Hawkins, Matthew Allen McGehee (Shannon), and Carrie Leigh Porter (Daniel), his grandchildren: Vivienne Rose Hawkins, Evelyn Grace Hawkins, Stella Magdalene Lalone, Hallie Pearl McGehee, Asher Charles McGehee, Quinnley Rose McGehee, Willa Hattie McGehee, and Jonah Hugh Porter, and his siblings: Pamela Irene Stafford (Doug), and Sue Ann Rochelle (Les).

Bob was a veteran who served in numerous locations throughout the world. He was a devoted patriot with a fierce love for his country.

After his military service he was employed by Alabama Power Company with 40 years of dedicated service.  He then went on to consult for EPRI (Electric Power Research Institute) for 7 years in the Electric Transportation area.

He is recognized internationally as an expert for his work in the Electric Transportation field.

He was active in fundraising for many civic organizations; he was also the first President of KidOne Transport.

He loved to spend time with his family, play golf, and usher at church.  

He was a member of Church of the Highlands since 2010. He rededicated his life to God during that time and loved sharing God’s love with others.  He loved his church family and his Hamburger Heaven Small Group.

Bob was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015.

After a couple of years battling Parkinson’s disease, he was lovingly welcomed into a new family, his Parkinson’s support group.  Together, boxing coaches - Martin Juarez and Dany Egli of Juarez Boxing in Irondale, AL, helped develop a program specifically to aid Parkinsons patients in navigating life with this horrible disease.  The group of people and the program helped so much through love, support, prayer, and exercise routines.  Without this family of friends that were battling the disease as well, and the caregivers supporting each other, Bob and Chrisie would not have done as well as they have.

During the 5-year battle, Bob participated in several Parkinsons research studies through UAB to help researchers find a cause and cure for Parkinson disease.  Together Bob and Chrisie prayerfully decided to donate his brain to further research efforts.

In lieu of flowers and plants, the family is asking that donations be made to PD Fight Club at Juarez Boxing, 1630 Crestwood Boulevard, Irondale, AL 35210, so that this specialized program can continue to help the growing community of Parkinson’s patients function while research finds a cause and cure to end this disease forever.