Robert Hawkins' Obituary
Robert Hawkins, 64, of Chattanooga, passed away, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in a local hospital. He was born on October 8, 1960, in Chattanooga, Tennessee to James Matz, Sr. and Anna Hawkins. He attended Brainerd High School and graduated from Chattanooga City High in 1979. Robert went on to obtain an Associate’s Degree in Administration at McKenzie College. He was employed by the Hamilton County Department of Education, where he worked at East Ridge Middle School as an Education Assistant/Special Education teacher. Robert also enlisted in the United States Army and received an honorable discharge at the end of his service time. Robert was a member of Greater Friendship Primitive Baptist Church and a member of the Clergy Koinonia.
Robert was preceded in death by his mother, Anna Hawkins; father, James Matz, Sr.; brother, Jack Melvin; and grandparents, Clester and Elmer Hawkins.
Survivors include his wife of 12 years, Samantha Reid-Hawkins; stepsons, Tyrel Patton, Sr., Tyler Patton, and Tyree Patton, all of Chattanooga; grandson, Tyrel Patton, Jr.; 5 grandchildren; sisters, Anna Asberry (Wendell) of Chattanooga and CPT USAR Carmen Coburn of Cleveland, OH; aunt, Jean Cox of Chattanooga; mother-in-law, Leola Phelps of Chattanooga; and cousin, Jermaine Cox of Huntsville, AL; several other relatives and friends.
Robert will lie-in-state on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel. Burial in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
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