William Hawkins

Pisgah Forest -

William Daniel (“Dan”) Hawkins, 88, of Pisgah Forest, died Monday, October 16, 2012, at Memorial Mission Hospital.

Son of the late William Clyde and Jennie Bell Hawkins, Dan was born and grew up in Simpsonville, South Carolina. Entering the army after graduating from high school, he served in an engineer battalion in General George Patton’s Third Army in World War II. After V-E Day, he stayed in Germany as part of the Allied occupation force in Berlin, before being mustered out of the service in 1946.

Dan attended business school on the GI Bill and took a position as a management trainee for Cassell’s 5&10 variety stores in upstate South Carolina. In 1948 he was assigned to the newly-opened Cassell’s store in Brevard, and he would spend the rest of his life in Transylvania County.

In the ‘50s and ‘60s he became known for operating a variety of Brevard businesses, including Cassell’s, Crest 5&10, Economy Auto, and the original Brevard Bowling Lanes.

Then in 1967 he created the business he became synonymous with, Pisgah Fish Camp. Generations of local residents and visitors have enjoyed trips to the Fish Camp with its coastal seafood menus. More than that, they came to know and love Dan and his cheerfulness and love of people.

Raised on an upstate South Carolina farm during the Depression, Dan learned lessons which he kept his entire life. He had a remarkable work ethic, he genuinely cared for everyone, and he was an eternal optimist. He had no use for intolerance of any kind. His decency, kindness, patience, and willingness to help anyone touched countless Transylvanians over the past six decades.

He was the sole remaining charter member of the Brevard Rotary Club, and over the years was a leader in many of the county’s civic organizations. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, and though his work schedule precluded church leadership, the manner in which he lived his life was a witness to Christ’s call to serve others, walk humbly, and sacrifice unreservedly.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Frances. He is also survived by two sisters: Catherine Bayne of Simpsonville, SC; and Thursa Capps and husband Jack, also of Simpsonville, SC;  his children and their spouses: Dana and wife Wanda, of Brevard; Mike and wife Claudia, of Brevard; Jeanne and partner Shelba Parker, of Asheville; and Chris and wife Tracy, of Pisgah Forest. Also surviving are grandchildren Anna Ownbey and husband Krew, of Hendersonville; Chan Hawkins, of Bergenfield, New Jersey; Ben Hawkins, of Asheville; Allison Hawkins, of Raleigh; Tarah Clark, of Asheville; and Stephanie Parker, of Asheville.

A memorial service is scheduled for 2pm Saturday, October 20, at First United Methodist Church in Brevard. Family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall after the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the building fund of First United Methodist Church in Brevard, or to Crossroads Baptist Church in Simpsonville, SC.

To leave a condolence for the Hawkins family, please visit  “obituaries” at www.moore-fh.com .

Moore Funeral Home & Cremation Services are  caring for the family.