September 25, 1941 ~ September 17, 2025
(age 83)
Russell Hawkins Obituary
Russell Raymond Hawkins went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. Visitation will be held on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., with a service led by Pastor Brad McKenzie following at 3:00 p.m. at Laird Funeral Home in Nacogdoches, Texas. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.
Russ (as he was best known) was born on September 25, 1941, to Roy Leon Hawkins and Goldie Ruby Lundstrum in Detroit, Michigan, where he spent most of his childhood. He graduated in 1959 from Redford High School in Detroit. In 1963, he proudly joined the U.S. Navy and served four years as an Interior Communications Electrician. A Vietnam veteran, Russ spent more than three years in foreign and sea service.
After the Navy, Russ went to work for Baker Oil Tools, which is what first brought him to Texas. He quickly fell in love with the Lone Star State. When the company later tried to transfer him back to California, Russ politely—but firmly—refused. Texas had his heart, and he wasn’t about to leave it. Instead, he began a new career with Moore Business Forms in Nacogdoches, where he worked for 24 years and built many lasting friendships.
Though born in Michigan, Russ always said he got to Texas as fast as he could. He had a deep love for the outdoors. Whether working in the woods with his tractor, fishing on the lake, or deer and bird hunting, he found joy and peace in nature. He treasured the time spent with family and friends in the East Texas woods and waters, and he always made sure that everyone around him enjoyed the experience just as much as he did.
Russ is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Virginia; daughters Katrina Best and husband Jim of Spurger, Juline Johnson and husband Carey of Hudson, and Nicole Ross and husband Brian of Hudson. He was a proud grandfather to Brittany Best, Kayla Hassell and husband Spencer, Kolby Johnson and wife Kylie, Blake Best and wife Candice, Dylan McShan and wife Bailey, Kade Johnson and wife Taylor, Madison Hawkins and fiancé Anthony Palos, Kylee Johnson, and Brandi Brown and husband Chad. His joy multiplied with each of his great-grandchildren: Braylee Hassell, Tate Hassell, Grant Best, Laikyn Best, Reece McShan, Hadlee Hassell, Rylee Best, Walker Johnson, Kylo Palos, Logan Brown, and Cayman Brown.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Richard Hawkins of Drummond Island, Michigan.
Serving as pallbearers are Kolby Johnson, Kade Johnson, Spencer Hassell, Blake Best, Dylan McShan, and Logan Brown. Honorary pallbearers are Roy Hohlt and Ray Worsham.
Russ will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a proud veteran, and a man who cherished his family, his friends, and his beloved Texas outdoors.
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