Horace Livingston Hawes, Jr.

April 1, 1938 - November 26, 2022
Horace Livingston Hawes, Jr.

Memorial Gifts & Donations


Horace Livingston Hawes Jr. of Leland, NC was born on April 1,1938 to the late Horace and Irene Hawes, Sr. of Wallace, NC. He passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 26, 2022 at his home, surrounded by his family.

Horace loved people. His relationship with Jesus caused him to focus his life on loving and serving others. He was a pastor, social worker, nursing home administrator, friend, husband, father and an Opa to his three grandchildren.

Horace graduated from New Hanover High School, Mars Hill College, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Southeastern Seminary.

He pastored at Oak Island Mission Church in Oak Island, NC and his longest pastorate was at Buck Creek Baptist Church in Longs, SC. He was a social worker at Connie Maxwell Children’s Home in Greenwood, SC and then worked at Kennedy Children’s Home in Kinston, NC. His nursing home administration lead him to Bethea Baptist in Florence, SC and then to Martha Franks in Laurens, SC. Later in life, he served as Director of Missions at the Wilmington Baptist Association and was a beloved pulpit supply pastor all over the greater Wilmington area.

He met his wife, Mary, while working at Kennedy Home in Kinston, NC. They were married on June 17th, 1973. They have been married for 49 years wonderful years. They have one daughter Kate who lives with her husband and three children in Cary, NC.

He loved to travel with his wife and daughter and always made a new friend or told someone about Jesus on those trips. He was an ambassador everywhere he went.

He remains a beloved man, loved by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. His legacy will live on in his wife, his daughter, his grandkids, and extended family and all who called him friend. His caring spirit and his love for Jesus impacted many lives and will continue to do so.

Not to us, not to us, but to Your name give glory.

Psalm 115:1

Services will be held at Crosswinds Church in Leland, NC on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 11am.

Share memories and condolences with the family by visiting the “Tribute Wall”.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403.  910.791..9099

Tribute Wall

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  • December 16, 2023
    Mark and Dana Wuntke says:
    Dec 16, 2023: I just found out 2 days ago about Horace's death and although I'm heartbroken, I know that he is with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I met Horace at a bible study at a friends home in Goldsboro. I was immediately drawn to him and it was because of him that I became a better man and Christian. I wanted to emulate his gentle spirit and love of the Lord and his jovial, outgoing personality. Horace married my wife and I over 46 yrs ago in Goldsboro. My military career took me away for over twenty years, but I always remembered Horace and Mary. We sent Christmas cards over the years and updated each other on the latest news. My prayers are with Mary, their daughter and her family. Sad in Goldsboro but also happy that Horace is with Jesus, pain free and in that day, we will meet again.

  • December 02, 2022
    Lynn Tatum Shelton says:
    Horace and I attended NHHS. He was in my senior English class with Miss Formy-Duval. Recently he was interim pastor at my grandmother’s church in Mount Holly,Burgaw. A wonderful person always. Lynette Tatum

  • November 30, 2022
    Dorethea M. Branch says:
    Dear Mary, Kate, Tim & Family: I am forever grateful to God that our paths crossed some 45 years ago at Dobbs School, Kinston, N.C. Regardless of miles apart, our 45 years of Friendship included Christmas Letters with Family Updates, Family Photos, Kate & Tim's Wedding, Phone Calls and most recently Visits and Dinner. Horace's love for Jesus Christ was shown to countless others, through his faith and his professional work life. Horace's testimony of God's Goodness has and will forever be a blessing to all who he encountered. Mary, Kate, Tim and Family, our most sincere Condolences and Prayers are with each of you. May God's Perfect Peace and Comfort be with each of you now and always- Love & Blessings, Dorethea M. Branch & Dennis

  • November 30, 2022
    Louis Harmati says:
    I met Horace in 2001 when he moved into MG. He was my neighbor and best friend for the past 22 years. He and I enjoyed my good times together, especially going to Bible study, and to pastor conferences. Horace always had a smile on his face, and wanted to know how you were doing. He would call me to check on us, and brings us bagels, or dinner occasionally. He also picked us put several times and took us to the ice cream store. He invited us for breakfast at his home a few times. Horace took us to the airport and picked us up for over 10 years. We went fishing together at Long Beach. We had many good conversations together the past 22 years. Horace was a caring person who helped many people, and as a result of his work he made many friends. I will miss him, and his friendship, because there is no one I know who would be able to fill the void he left in my life. I thank God for sending Horace my way, and I wish I could still call him. The last last time I talked with Horace was about three weeks ago, and I told him that I love him.

  • November 30, 2022
    Patricia Henderson says:
    Mary and Family, So sorry for your loss. Horace was always a kind, gentle and happy person. Pat Perritte Henderson (Classmate of Horace) and Billy Henderson.