James Maynard Hawkins

James Maynard Hawkins, 93, Knoxville, passed away at Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville on Tuesday (July 8, 2014).

He was born in Scott County, Virginia on July 2, 1921. Prior to moving to Knoxville two years ago, he was a long-time resident of Kingsport, TN.

Maynard served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He was in the invasion of Iwo Jima and Okinawa and a life-time member of American Legion and VFW.

He was employed at Tennessee Eastman for 44 years, retiring from the Research Division where he was a Research Chemist.

Maynard was an active member of Mafair United Methodist since 1959.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Kelly and Ethel Smith Hawkins; his brother, Roy; and sister, Zella.

James is survived by his wife of 68 years Nataleen Shoemaker Hawkins; daughter, Susie Hawkins of Atlanta, GA; son, Joe Kelly and wife Lucy and granddaughters, Hannah and Kelly Hawkins of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL; daughter, Nancy Hawkins Ramsey, granddaughter Katie Ramsey and grandson Ben Ramsey of Knoxville, TN; niece, Rita Hawkins Horne and husband O.L. of Kingsport.

The family will receive friends at 1 pm Thursday July 10 at Mafair United Methodist Church. The service will follow at 2 pm with Rev. Kim Goddard and Rev. Don Nation officiating.

Interment will be in Holston View Cemetery following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations in memory of Maynard Hawkinds be made to Mafair United Methodist Church, 1409 E. Center St., Kingsport, TN 37664.