Benny Frank Hawkins Jr.'s Obituary
Benny Frank Hawkins, Jr. passed away on April 11, 2021, after a bravely fought illness. Benny (Ben or “Benji”) was born on April 28th, 1960, to Marie and Benny Hawkins at U.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York. He was born into a military family and spent his formative years traveling the world, living in England, California, and Alaska, amongst many other places. His family ultimately settled in Iowa City Iowa.
Ben received his Bachelor’s degree from New College in Sarasota, Florida. He received his MBA from University of South Florida. He also graduated from The University of Iowa with a Juris Doctorate.
Ben was a music lover and loved the beach and the sunshine. He was a wonderful and loving husband, father, son, brother and grandpa. Ben worked many jobs in his lifetime, but most recently worked for over 18 years at Tampa Morgan and Morgan, where he met his wife, Beth. Ben was known as a relaxed, calm, funny and fun-loving man and well-loved by anyone who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Beth, of Brandon, FL. His daughter, Rachel Reis (Jim) and grandsons, Benton and Tyson of Adel, IA. His father, Benny Sr., (Lucille) of Coralville, IA. A brother, Chris (Stan), of Arlington, TX. Bonus daughter, Kristin Segreto (Tom), bonus grandson, Nicholas of Lakeland, FL. Bonus son, Nick Meyer (Kim) and bonus grandchildren, Shay and Zachary of Tampa, FL. Ben was preceded in death by his loving mother, Marie.
Ben and Beth were prepared to celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary this May. Ben loved the beach and the warm Florida sunshine. He loved to vacation in the Keys, which is where Ben and Beth spent their honeymoon. Ben and Beth loved to travel and spent many holidays traveling to and from Iowa to be with family, sometimes attending Iowa homecoming festivities. Ben loved most music, but especially blues, rock and roll, reggae and hip hop. One of their favorite things as a couple was to attend concerts and listen to live music. Ben also loved playing his Fender Telecaster, watching football, especially the Iowa Hawkeyes, USF Bulls and the Bucs.
He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
A Celebration of Ben’s Life will be held at the Brandon Elks lodge, 800 Centennial Lodge Drive, Brandon, FL 33510, on Sunday, May 2, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. Doors open at 1:30. Reception to follow.
Instead of flowers, donations in Benny Hawkins, Jr.’s name can be made to the Brandon Elks Lodge, 800 Centennial Lodge Drive, Brandon, FL 33510 or the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, 3607 N. Armenia Avenue, Tampa, FL 33607.
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