December 25, 1948 ~ September 21, 2021 (age 72)

John R. “Moms” Hawkins, Jr., 72 of East Ridge went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 21, 2021. 

John was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to many.  He was born in Sewanee, Tennessee and raised in Chattanooga.  John was a 1966 graduate of City High School and a member of St Paul’s Episcopal Church.  He joined the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Long Beach during Vietnam.  After serving his country, John Acquired an associate’s degree in Fire Science from Chattanooga State.

John “Moms” was a Firefighter with the Chattanooga Fire Department for 25 years and retired as Captain at Fire Hall #12 in 1999.  He continued working at Orange Grove Center and Ace Hardware in East Ridge for several years and volunteered at his children’s elementary school, was a member of the PTA and a substitute teacher. 

John was an Eagle Scout, awarded the Silver Beaver Award, and was a member of the Order of the Arrow.  He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.  John and his wife always had an open door and welcomed everyone. 

Preceded in death by his parents John R. Hawkins, Sr. and Ernestine P. Hawkins and his son, John Nicholas Hawkins. 

Survivors include loving wife of 49 years, Nena Thomas Hawkins; Children, Thomas Ross (Michelle) Hawkins; Shannon Hawkins (Rob) Batzloff; Chad (Katelyn) Hawkins; grandchildren: Malia, Taylor, and Autumn Flowers, Austin, Haylee, Jacob, and Lauren Harris, Bailey, Zoey and Avery Batzloff; and 6 great-grandchildren.  

Condolences may be shared at lane-southcrestchapel.com. 

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, September 30th, 2021 at 2pm in the Chattanooga National Cemetery with military honors. 

The family will receive friends on Thursday from 11am – 1:30pm in the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home and Crematory, Rossville.