Funeral services for Mr. Dave Hawthorne, 85, will be conducted Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the Gray Methodist Church with the Rev. Jason Dillard officiating.

The family will greet guests at the church sanctuary Tuesday 11 a.m. until the service hour. A private family interment will be Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Pine Level Baptist Church Cemetery in Cairo.

David L "Dave" Hawthorne, 85, passed away peacefully Friday, July 19, 2024, surrounded by family. Mr. Hawthorne was a native of Cairo, Georgia and had made his home in Wilkinson County for many years. He was predeceased by his parents, Charlie Lee Hawthorne and Lizzie Barber Hawthorne; a sister, Elsie Ouzts; and brother, Jerry Hawthorne.

Upon graduation from Cairo High School in 1957, Mr. Hawthorne joined the United States Army assigned as an Airborne Ranger with the 101st Airborne in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Upon his honorable discharge, he was employed in various management positions by Sears Roebuck for over 17 years. Following Sears, Mr. Hawthorne held various positions in the automotive industry, the first of which was owner of Hawthorne Chevrolet-Chrysler in Union, Mississippi. Upon his return to his home state of Georgia, he held various management positions in the mid-state region area including vice president and general manager of Classic Motors of Milledgeville for 20 plus years before his retirement.

David "Dave" Hawthorne cherished his friends and family. He was a patriot who deeply loved his country and loved his six grandchildren even more. He was an avid outdoorsman and contributed to multiple charitable organizations in his lifetime. He will be missed greatly by all of us who have the honor to be his friend or call him father, husband, grandfather or uncle.

Mr. Hawthorne is survived by his wife of almost 63 years, Betty Womble Hawthorne of Gordon; sons, Michael (Kim) Hawthorne of Gray; Mark (Jennifer) Hawthorne of Athens; Keith (Misha) Hawthorne of Charlotte, N.C.; grandchildren, Lauren McKowen (John); Savannah Foley (West); Emma Bennett (Jonathon); Sarah Hawthorne; Harlee Hawthorne; Bella Hawthorne; Great grandchildren include, Max Foley, Teagan McKowen as well as a baby girl Bennett on the way. Special thanks to his care takers, the staff at Autumn Lane Nursing home, Lorraine Daniels, Vastoria Williams and Carol Smith.

Express online condolences at www.williamsfh.net .