M. Chester Hawkins, Sr., 99, of Newberry, died Monday, December 19, 2016 at White Oak Manor. Born on October 31, 1917, he was a son of the late Gary and Sula Taylor Hawkins. He began life in the Stoney Hill section of Newberry County and as a child moved to Newberry in a mule drawn wagon. He was twice married, first to the late Anna "Ann" Elizabeth Wolff Hawkins and second to the late Clara Shealy Hawkins. Mr. Hawkins was a proud veteran of WW II serving as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U. S. Army. He retired as the owner and manager of Chapman Hawkins Company. He was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer where he was a member of the Men's Bible Class. He was also a member of the Newberry Kiwanis Club for 43 years and of the McDonald's Coffee Group. Chester was an athletic man who stayed fit and active all of his life. He participated in the Newberry church league softball for over 59 years, obtaining a batting average of over 600 in one of those years. After softball, he took up golf and managed to shoot 3 holes-in-one during his golfing days. A proud and strong man, he was able to live independent of any assistance past his 97th birthday. Chester treasured his family and he was always there for them. He is survived by a daughter, Cheryl Ann Matkovich (John) of Beaufort; son, Miles Chester Hawkins, Jr. (Susan) of Conway; grandson, Robert Michael "Mike" Hawkins (Allison) of Newberry; four great- grandchildren; two great great-grandchildren; step-children, Tommy Irick (Carol Ann) of Atlanta, Charles Irick (Beth) of Columbia, Betty Gonda (Frank) of Spartanburg, and Caroline (Ladd) Harrelson of Chapin; eight step-grandchildren and eight step-great-grandchildren. In addition to his wives and parents, he was predeceased by siblings, Marjorie Harmon, Gladys Hipp, Mable Chapman, Helen Morris, Fred Hawkins, Hazel Hawkins and Furman Hawkins. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 PM on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at the Whitaker Funeral Home. Graveside funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM, Friday, December 23, 2016 in Newberry Memorial Gardens conducted by the Rev. Matthew Titus. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com. Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry is assisting the family.