Born in Hendersonville, he was the beloved son of Ed and Linda Hawkins of Hendersonville, and the life partner and soulmate for 18 years of John Dobson of Tryon.

Graduating from Hendersonville High School, he joined the Navy for a 5 year tour of duty shortly afterwards. Upon completion of his tour he moved to Santa Cruz, Calif., where he met John, where they lived and worked before returning to North Carolina in 2003, moving to Tryon in 2005.

A man of many talents with a wide variety of passions and interests he was a Certified Nurseryman in California with his own tropical plant business &dquo;Junglemania.&dquo; At the same time, he was working with the University of California at Santa Cruz in the Particle Physics Department, where he took an interest in website design and gained certification in Digital Imaging.

On returning to the Carolinas he was actively engaged with John in the antiques and collectibles business.

Along with Ed, Linda, John and Kona, his beautiful dog, he is survived by his paternal grandmother, Lillie Hawkins-Hyder of Hendersonville, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his beloved paternal grandfather, Herman Hawkins of Hendersonville, and his equally beloved maternal grandmother, Belle &dquo;Mama&dquo; Williams of Mountain Home.

Visitation will be Tuesday,

July 1, 2008 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Thomas Shepherd & Son Funeral Home in Hendersonville, followed by a graveside service at Oakdale Cemetery on Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at 11 a.m., the Reverend Deacon Joyce Beschta officiating. Friends and family are welcome at John and Edward&squo;s Tryon home on Doubleday Rd. after the Wednesday service, approximately 1.30 p.m. onwards.

Donations in Edward&squo;s memory may be made to the Randy Grobe Emergency Fund at Bonnie Brae Veterinary Hospital, 155 Shuford Road Columbus, N.C. 28722, (828) 894 6064.

Edward loved his friends and family as much as he loved life. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

‐ paid obituary