Richard "Rick" Ellington Hawes, III

Thomson - Richard Ellington (Rick) Hawes III, age 74, passed away peacefully at his home in Thomson, GA on December 15, 2025. Rick was born in Athens, GA, January 15,1951, the son of the late Richard E. Hawes, Jr. and the late Jane Burch Hawes. He was a lifelong resident of Thomson, GA and a lifetime member of Thomson First Methodist Church where he so enjoyed being a part of its congregation.

Rick was a 1969 graduate of Thomson High School where he was a member of the 1967 and 1968 Class A football state champion teams. He went on to earn an engineering degree from Southern Polytechnic Institute where he participated in the Naval ROTC program. Upon graduation, Rick served his country for four years as an officer in the US Navy aboard the USS Richard L. Page. His working career included many years as an engineer at E-Z-GO Golf Carts in Augusta, GA. He later worked and retired from Thomson Plastics.

Rick was an Eagle Scout and a recipient of the Boy Scout God and Country Award. His love of scouting was evident when he became Troop 125’s assistant scoutmaster, where he guided his sons and their fellow scouts through numerous memorable camping trips. Because of his encouragement, both his sons reached the rank of Eagle Scout. Rick loved being in the woods with his rifle and especially enjoyed the camaraderie of his friends during hunting season.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years Karen McEver Hawes, his two sons Richard E.  Hawes IV (Mandy) and Charles Bryce Hawes, grandchildren Ellie and Grace Hawes and Emma Harper Hawes, a sister Christy Hawes Brown (Tommy), half-brothers, Eric Hawes (Catherina) and Mark Hawes (Claire), nieces Emily B. Farmer, Jane B. Miller, and Louisa I. Ray, and nephew Michael Ray. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Barbara Hawes Ray.

A memorial service will be held Friday, December 19, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. in the sanctuary of Thomson First Methodist Church with The Reverend Dr. Steve Dodson officiating. A visitation will be held prior to the service in the Fellowship Hall from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. A private interment will be at a later date. Friends may call at the residence.

If so desired, memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society or Thomson First Methodist Church at P.O. 8, Thomson, GA, 30824.

You may sign a guest book online at www.curtisfuneralhome.com

Curtis Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.