Johnnie Odell Hawkins

Johnnie Odell Hawkins, 74, of Leachville, passed from this life Monday, April 1, 2024, at Little Rock. Born in Ventura, Calif., he was the son of the late Richard and Imogene Wilson Dorris. He was a 1967 graduate of Armorel High School and had proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, having been stationed in Panama. He had been a longtime Gosnell resident before making his home in Leachville in 2016. Johnnie was retired from the maintenance department of Nucor-Yamato Steel in Blytheville. He was a member of the Roy Wiles VFW Post #1991 in Jonesboro and the American Legion Riders of Arkansas Unit #8. He enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, and riding motorcycles and 4 wheelers. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Kevin Hayes, and one sister Betty Krause.

He is survived by two sons, Chester Hawkins of Columbus, Miss., and Johnnie Hawkins, Jr. of Lepanto; one daughter, Angela Everett of Bryant; one brother, Billy Hawkins of Southaven, Miss. He also leaves eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A graveside memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, May 4, in the Manila Cemetery with Priscilla Ray serving as eulogist. Services are under the direction of Howard Funeral Service of Manila. No visitation is planned; however, family and friends will gather at 10:30 at the funeral home for the procession to the cemetery. Online guest register is at www.howardfuneralservice.com.