Wayne Joseph Hawkins

Wayne and I grew up across the street from each other. He was one of my closest childhood friends. My first date with my wife, Linda, was on a double date with Wayne, who was dating Linda’s sister, Karen, at the time. A few years later he was a groomsman in our wedding party. I have countless memories of him.

A favorite memory is when Wayne came to visit me during Greek week at the University of Richmond. We went to an outdoor concert on campus and laid a blanket on the grass along with a Styrofoam cooler full of ice and assorted mixed drink ingredients. Soon, a tipsy female student clumsily stumbled over it splitting it wide open. When she spun around to face us I assumed she was going to apologize for spilling our refreshments all over the blanket. Instead, she hauled off and gave the shattered cooler a final splintering kick for daring to trip her. My first thought was, “Well, she needs a little something to cool her down.” So I stood up and poured my mixed drink all over her hot, little head. Then, somewhere to my right I heard a deep voice say, “You shouldn’ta done that.” And before I could turn in response I was struck on the side of my head by what felt like a lightning bolt. It knocked me flat. Realizing I’d been sucker punched I sprang back up in a blind rage of righteous indignation. I was literally in mid-air looking through dazed vision for the jugular vein of whoever had punched me when I felt a strong grip on my collar swiftly jerk me backward and onto the ground again. Looking up I saw Godzilla and King Kong locked in brutal combat. It was Wayne and my assailant, a member of the UR football team. Wayne had obviously sized up the situation and come to the quick conclusion that my 135 pounds were no match for the Hulk. So he stepped in to settle things on my behalf. Blows were exchanged. Fortunately, a campus security guard spotted the trouble, hurried to the scene and broke up the fight before any blood was shed.

Thanks, Wayne. You probably saved me a trip to the hospital for stitches. Or to jail for murder. Either way, you were a good friend.

Jeff Crossan

Linda Chamblee says:

August 31, 2023 at 12:00 am

Wayne was my “Big brother” since I was 9 years old. I was lucky to get opportunities to see Wayne and Mary in Georgia over the years. Wayne made wonderful memories with so many friends. He will be truly missed. Sending my love to you and your family.

Linda Chamblee says:

September 1, 2023 at 12:00 am

The years go so fast. Wayne was my friend for 61 years.

Jeff and Linda Crossan says:

September 3, 2023 at 12:00 am

Wayne and I grew up across the street from each other. He was one of my closest childhood friends. My first date with my wife, Linda, was on a double date with Wayne, who was dating Linda’s sister, Karen, at the time. A few years later he was a groomsman in our wedding party. I have countless memories of him.

A favorite memory is when Wayne came to visit me during Greek week at the University of Richmond. We went to an outdoor concert on campus and laid a blanket on the grass along with a Styrofoam cooler full of ice and assorted mixed drink ingredients. Soon, a tipsy female student clumsily stumbled over it splitting it wide open. When she spun around to face us I assumed she was going to apologize for spilling our refreshments all over the blanket. Instead, she hauled off and gave the shattered cooler a final splintering kick for daring to trip her. My first thought was, “Well, she needs a little something to cool her down.” So I stood up and poured my mixed drink all over her hot, little head. Then, somewhere to my right I heard a deep voice say, “You shouldn’ta done that.” And before I could turn in response I was struck on the side of my head by what felt like a lightning bolt. It knocked me flat. Realizing I’d been sucker punched I sprang back up in a blind rage of righteous indignation. I was literally in mid-air looking through dazed vision for the jugular vein of whoever had punched me when I felt a strong grip on my collar swiftly jerk me backward and onto the ground again. Looking up I saw Godzilla and King Kong locked in brutal combat. It was Wayne and my assailant, a member of the UR football team. Wayne had obviously sized up the situation and come to the quick conclusion that my 135 pounds were no match for the Hulk. So he stepped in to settle things on my behalf. Blows were exchanged. Fortunately, a campus security guard spotted the trouble, hurried to the scene and broke up the fight before any blood was shed.

Thanks, Wayne. You probably saved me a trip to the hospital for stitches. Or to jail for murder. Either way, you were a good friend.

Jeff Crossan