C. Calvin Hawkins Sr. | Church deacon, 86

C. Calvin Hawkins Sr., 86, of Woodbury Heights, a church deacon, construction supervisor, and father of 10, died of cancer Saturday, Aug. 13, at home.

For 50 years, Mr. Hawkins was a member of the Construction and General Laborers Union, Local 172, in Trenton. He was a highway construction supervisor in New Jersey for companies including Winzinger Inc., according to his daughter Carol Shorts. To supplement his income, he also worked as a part-time cook at a Howard Johnson's restaurant. He retired in 1989.

"Dad was our role model," said Mr. Hawkins' son Ronnie.

Mr. Hawkins grew up in North Carolina with 12 siblings. He moved to Philadelphia at age 18, and, in 1946, married Margaret Franklin. The couple raised their children in a brick house they built in North Woodbury. Margaret Hawkins died in 1989, and Mr. Hawkins married his second wife, Carrie, six years later.

He enjoyed helping neighbors with home-improvement projects, his daughter said. He was ordained a deacon in Woodbury's North Baptist Church in 1984. He also sang in the male chorus and was active in the food bank ministry.

In addition to his wife, daughter, and son, Mr. Hawkins is survived by sons Terry, Bobby, Tyrone, Kenny, and Gregory; a daughter, Elaine; a stepdaughter, Cicely Wiggins; and many grandchildren. His sons Calvin Jr. and Larry are deceased.

Friends may call at North Baptist Church, 1020 N. Evergreen Ave., Woodbury, from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 18, and on Friday, Aug. 19, from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Gates of Heaven Cemetery in Mount Royal.