Champ Clark Hawkins, Jr., 68, of Batesville, Arkansas went to be with Jesus on February 24, 2022. He was born September 19, 1953, in Batesville, Arkansas to Champ Clark Hawkins, Sr. and Laura Louisa Phillips Hawkins.
He was well known for his vibrant smile. He was loved by many and was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. He loved taking care of his pets and wildlife. He was an avid sports fan; he especially enjoyed watching the Razorbacks and other college teams. Champ was a member of the Christian Athletic Association. He refereed basketball games for 19 years; he also played softball and was a certified umpire.
He grew up in the Methodist Church. He began attending the First Assembly of God Church in 1972, at the age of 19. A dedicated Christian, he was a trustee and served in many positions at the church, including church security and Celebrate Recovery security.
He had a strong work ethic. He began working at the age of 12, mowing lawns with his daddy. At age 15, while working at a grocery store, he became a skilled meat cutter which enabled him to become a meat department manager. He worked for J. B. Kramer Candy Company for a few years. He was employed at Town and Country grocery store in 1971 as a meat department manager and later assistant store manager. He became the store manager at Price Chopper in Newport in 1987. Champ was well prepared when he began his career with Walmart in 1990, in management and store planning; he later worked out of the Bentonville office helping set up Super Centers across the United States. He worked for Walmart for 30 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; aunts and uncles; and other relatives and friends.
Survivors include his wife, Helen Elizabeth Howard Hawkins of the home; sister, Linda Lou Hawkins Cooper (Perry) of Yates City, Illinois; brother-in-law, James “Jimmy” Howard (Joyce) of Batesville; several nieces and nephews as well as many great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews; and a host of cousins and friends.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Michael Broyles, Joel Cooper, Jeremy Cox, Thomas Howard, Dennis Stephens, Matt Wann, and Spencer Young. Honorary pallbearers are Jamie Bledsoe, Devin and Dillon Davis, Jimmy Wayne Howard, Kevin Howard, J. T. Thurman, Jim Whitson, and Roger Wright.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the First Assembly of God Church in Batesville, on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at 2:00 p.m.
Visitation will be from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. just prior to service.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Celebrate Recovery at First Assembly of God Church on 20th Street in Batesville, Arkansas.
