Robert Steven Hawkins

Robert Steven Hawkins, 72, Watkinsville, GA, died September 2, 2026. Robert was born in Marion, NC on February 5, 1954 to Robert K. and Hilda Hawkins. During childhood he was surrounded by a loving family that included his parents, his sister, two sets of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. His most cherished memory was spending time with his Grandfather Early in his carpentry shop. His grandfather made exquisite furniture and taught Robert not only how to make furniture but also how to operate his woodworking tools.

Robert was an excellent student. His high school years included intense schoolwork, and a close-knit group of friends who studied together. Some of the group remain his closest friends today.

Robert decided to study engineering at NC State. He received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Industrial and Systems Engineering, a perfect match to his logical, methodical, calculating mind. Algorithms and practice sets became a way of life. His roommates called him “Mole” because he spent so much time in the library. His years at NC State coincided with those of Coach Norm Sloan making basketball an exciting diversion from his studies. He continued to be a devoted member of the Wolfpack throughout his life.

Upon graduation, he spent a few years in the insurance business. He soon joined the Georgia Tech Research Institute (formerly called the Georgia Tech Experiment Station). He used his problem-solving and technical skills to support business around the state by providing consulting services for engineering problems. He gravitated to Corporate Relations and engaged corporations in the academic and research programs the Institute offered. Robert rose to assistant vice president of the division and spent 19 years at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Then he was offered his dream job. He joined California Institute of Technology as assistant vice president of External Affairs. His years at Caltech were special to him. The campus community was comprised of true brilliance, faculty and students working on the cutting edge of innovation in science. This experience was one of the highlights of his life.

As a Southerner, the call to return home compelled him to accept a job at the University of Georgia; once again assuming the role of associate vice president of External Affairs. Athens became home and Robert cherished the many friendships and accomplishments the University made during his tenure there.

In his spare time, Robert enjoyed creative writing and collecting antique furniture, tools, and clocks. He could fix anything. He wrote stories that reflected his life and compiled them in a book in 2024. He loved reading books, newspapers, and especially a service manual on the HVAC system or an instruction booklet for an appliance. He was a researcher to his very core. He enjoyed the simplicity of keeping to his everyday routine. He loved to walk in our neighborhood and took 5-mile walks several times a week, making many friends along the way. He and Connie climbed Stone Moutain once a month and his reward was eating lunch at Jersey Mike’s on the way home.

Robert loved and appreciated the simple things in life.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Connie, his sister, Janice Adams, his niece, Susan (Jeff) Herzog and their three beautiful sons, Jonah, Ezekiel, and Micah. His aunt Cathy and uncle Jim Evans, their children and grandchildren, and cousins, Robert and Keith Horton, and their children and grandchildren, are part of the loving family and the world of friends he leaves behind.

A service of remembrance will he held Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, West Chape, 1211 Jimmy Daniell Rd., Watkinsville, GA 30677. Visitation will be at 1:00 pm. The service will be live-streamed on the Lord and Stephens Funeral Home Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the NC State Engineering Foundation for the Robert and Connie Hawkins Endowed Fund in the ISE Department.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com