85R8809 RMA-D
By: Bonnen of Brazoria H.R. No. 301
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The life of an admired athlete and community leader
drew to a close with the passing of Anthony James Hawkins of Bay
City on October 7, 2015, at the age of 57; and
WHEREAS, The son of Jimmie and Bessie Hawkins Times, Andy
Hawkins was born in Bay City on March 31, 1958, and grew up with the
companionship of six siblings; a graduate of Van Vleck High School,
he went on to play linebacker at Texas A&M University--Kingsville,
and he was inducted into the Javelina Hall of Fame in 1992; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hawkins subsequently enjoyed a nine-season
career in professional football; in 1980, he was drafted by the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he played for four seasons before
signing with the Houston Gamblers of the United States Football
League; he returned to the NFL with the San Diego Chargers in 1986,
and two years later, he played for a season with the Kansas City
Chiefs; after retiring from football, he finished his degree at
Wharton County Junior College and went on to work for a quarter
century at the OXEA Corporation; and
WHEREAS, A civic leader of tremendous vision and passion,
Mr. Hawkins served as a member of the Bay City Council, as president
of the Bay City Youth Football Association, and as a board member of
the Economic Action Committee of the Gulf Coast; he was a member of
the Bay City Lions Club, the Bay City Community Development
Corporation, and the Texas Association of Sports Officials, and he
shared his love of sports with local young people by refereeing
football, basketball, and softball games; he also enjoyed playing
golf and competing as a member of the Schlitz Bulls softball team;
in recognition of his outstanding service to the community, the
football field at Hardeman Park was named in his honor in 2016; and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Hawkins was supported by
the love and encouragement of his wife, Sherry, with whom he shared
23 years, and he took tremendous pride in his daughters, April and
Andrea; and
WHEREAS, Andy Hawkins attained success in a range of pursuits
and built a rewarding life that was rich in family and friends, and
memories of his accomplishments will be a continuing source of
inspiration for all who knew him; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Anthony James
Hawkins; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Anthony
James Hawkins.