William Donald "Pete" Hawkins, 86, of Anderson, South Carolina, passed away on December 14, 2025, at the Rainey Hospice House of Anderson.

Born on September 18, 1939, Pete was the son of the late William Jefferson "Billy" Hawkins and Marie Pruitt Hawkins. He was a lifelong member of Long Branch Baptist Church and a man whose faith guided him throughout his life.

Pete retired from Duke Power and the City of Anderson, where he proudly drove buses and served his community for 30 years. He was also a lifelong farmer who loved the land, cared deeply for it, and found joy in tending to his farm each day. Farming wasn't just work for him—it was who he was.

He was a devoted husband, father, and granddaddy. His family was the heart of his world.

Pete is survived by his loving wife, Patsy "Jean" Hawkins; his children Melissa (Jeff) Collier and Jeff Hawkins; and five grandchildren: Rachel (Holden) Freel, Zach Collier, Rylee (Heath) Hawkins, Will Hawkins, and Bradee Hawkins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Hawkins, and his sister, Ruby Wynell Ashley.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 1:00-2:15 pm at Long Branch Baptist Church. The funeral service will begin at 2:30 pm with Dr. Clarence Adkins and Rev. Wayne Watson officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Flowers are optional or memorial contributions may be made to Long Branch Baptist Church Cemetery, 1400 Milford Rd., Anderson, SC 29621.

The family will be at the home.

Condolences may be left for the family by visiting WWW.MCDOUGALDFUNERALHOME.COM.