Flying Tiger Line
Pilots Association

Howard L. Hawkins

In Memoriam

August 10, 1934 - January 9, 2025

We've received the very sad news of the passing of both Howard and Joan Hawkins in Cordova, TN this past Thursday.  Both were regular attendees of our reunions and will be dearly missed. Howard was hired as a pilot by the Flying Tiger Line on 8/22/1966 and quickly gained the respect and admiration of all fellow pilots at both Tigers and Federal Express during his spotless career.  

Below is the obituary sent on behalf of the family by their daughter, Dede.

Howard Leland Hawkins, born on August 10, 1934, departed this life on January 9, 2025, at the age of 90. Howard was the devoted husband of Joan Davis Hawkins married April 17, 1999 and a loving father to his daughters Jennifer Johnson (Floyd) Acworth, GA, Dede Beneke (Eldy) of Sedalia, MO, Angela Hawkins of Waco, GA, and Amy Hawkins Tehachapi, CA.

He is preceded in death by daughters Gwynne Ratliff and Wendy Hawkins. Howard is also remembered by his surviving brother David Hawkins (Marsha) of Collinsville, IL.

He is preceded in death by his siblings, Dorothy, Raymond, Harold, Margaret and Lenny. He shared a special bond with Joan’s children, Michael Davis (Heidi) and April Davis Shamoun (Jimmy), as well as her grandchildren Ethan and Gabriel. His legacy lives on through five grandchildren, Chasity, Melanie (Steven), Shana (Jim), Gentry, Tabatha (Sean) and Krista (Tim) and five great-grandchildren Des'Rea (Jacob), Carl, Braxton, Kadeyn and Jaxson and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who will forever cherish his memory.

Howard’s life was marked by adventure and dedication. From his beginnings as a horse-riding farm boy, he went on to serve his country with pride in the United States Marine Corps and served in the Korean War. Following his military service, he pursued a distinguished career in aviation. Howard worked in air traffic control for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) before becoming a pilot for Flying Tigers Line and later Federal Express Airlines. Where he met his beautiful wife and struck up a conversation over their shared birthday. Even after retiring from commercial aviation, he returned to the FAA as a flight inspector, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to excellence in his field.

Howard was known for his generosity, sense of community and deepest respect for others. Whether fixing something as the neighborhood handyman or offering rides to neighbors & veterans, he was always ready to help. Together with Joan, he opened their home for gatherings and celebrations, creating cherished memories for family and friends alike. Howard loved traveling in his RV to places like Chicken, Alaska, or Pensacola, Florida, birdwatching along the way. He enjoyed spending time with loved ones over a good bottle of wine or a gin martini.

A private ceremony will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Fayette County Animal Rescue.

Funeral Home: Family Funeral Care Memphis, TN
May the memory of Howard Leland Hawkins bring comfort and inspiration to all who knew him.

Condolences can be sent to:

The Hawkins Family
338 Meadow Trail
Cordova, TN 38018

Our deepest condolences to the Hawkins family.  May Howard and Joan rest in love and in peace together. 

Howard at the 2024 50th Anniversary Reunion in Fort Worth sitting with Hap Carpenter, Joe McCormick, (unidentified) and Tom Constable.

Anyone else wishing to contribute to this page with archived pictures or testimonials is encouraged to contact us at email@flyingtigerline.org

Back To Memorials