"I am so sorry to hear about Coach Hawkins. I had the greatest pleasure of working with him at East for 5 years and after he retired I was hired as the PE teacher. I hear many stories from past students of all the crazy things he did. I loved how he always wore jeans and flannel shirts no matter what the weather was. That was Coach! I am so sorry for your loss."
In loving memory of
Thomas Edward Hawkins
May 7, 1941 - October 8, 2017
HAWKINS, THOMAS EDWARD "COACH"
Thomas E. Hawkins passed away in Gainesville, Florida, on Sunday, October 8, 2017.
Tom was the P.E. coach at East Elementary School for over 25 years, and really enjoyed the many years he was there.
He is survived by his daughter, Karen Ponder, his son, Russell David Ponder, brother, Bob Hawkins, and several loving cousins.
Tom was a graduate of Manatee High School, Manatee Junior College, and Florida Southern University. He was a baseball player at all three, and participated in the 1960 JUCO World Series. He enjoyed sports, and was an avid fisherman, and an outstanding bowler.
He served in the Air Force from 1962-1966, before moving to Punta Gorda, and finding his dream job teaching young children.
A graveside service will be held at 2pm at the Royal Palm Memorial Gardens Cemetery on Tuesday, October 17. In lieu of flowers the family asks any donations be sent to P.K. Yonge High School Baseball, 1080 SW 11th St. Gainesville, 32601.
Please visit the online tribute for Thomas Edward Hawkins at www.kays-ponger.com to sign the guest book and offer condolences to the family.
Arrangements by Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home and cremation services. Punta Gorda Chapel.
Tributes
"Worked with Tom and Ginny for over 20 years. My husband and Tom bowled on the same night. He loved his fishing. East Elementary kids loved Coach Hawkins. He will be missed."