Tony Lucas Hawks

Tony Lucas Hawks of Lynchburg, Virginia, passed away quietly with his family by his side on August 10, 2026, at the age of 77.

Tony was born in Henderson, North Carolina, to the late Ralph Lucas Hawks and Catherine Perkinson Hawks of Wilson and Warrenton, North Carolina. He grew up in Wilson and graduated from Ralph L. Fike High School in 1967. He attended Wilson County Technical Institute before pausing his studies to serve his country in the US Army.

Tony proudly served in the U.S. Army for three years, including an 18-month tour of duty in Vietnam as a Staff Sergeant with the 531st Engineering Division. A master draftsman, he oversaw the design plans and construction of numerous military facilities in and around Saigon. During his service, Tony was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for bravery under enemy attack on his barracks near Da Nang, Vietnam. He also received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Expert Rifleman qualifications with the M-16 and M-60.

After returning home from military service, Tony completed his education at Wilson County Technical Institute, earning double Associate Degrees in Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering.

Tony went on to spend his professional life making a difference through his knowledge, dedication, and commitment to excellence. He worked for six years with Babcock & Wilcox Corporation in Lynchburg, where he was assigned to modify and improve parts associated with the Three Mile Island accident. In 1979, Tony joined Lynchburg based Aerofin Corp., a leading manufacturer of heat exchanger coils used in the nuclear industry. He remained with Aerofin for 37 years. During the final 16 years of his career, he traveled throughout the United States as a Lead Nuclear Auditor and Quality Assurance Manager, inspecting and vetting suppliers of materials used in Aerofin products ensuring compliance with NRC industry codes and standards. Even after retiring, Tony continued contracting with Aerofin for another three years.

Tony was much more than a skilled engineer and auditor. He was a mentor to many, and numerous Aerofin employees felt that his guidance and encouragement contributed to their own advancement such as David Lethcoe. Among those he mentored was Josh Peters, whom Tony guided for 32 years and came to consider a son. His strong relationships with vendors and his commitment to quality also contributed greatly to the company's success.

Family and friends were Tony's greatest treasures. He loved his place at Myrtle Beach, where he spent 36 years and formed lifelong friendships with the Mitchell and Deese families as their children and later grandchildren grew up together.

Tony was an active and devoted father and grandfather. His son Brad left Lynchburg when he was only 11 years old to live with his mother in Tennessee, followed by years in the Army. Although they did not have the opportunity to see each other as often as Tony would have liked, he loved his son deeply. Tony was especially grateful to spend more time with Brad during the recent years of his life, when Brad traveled home to go to the races, visit him in the hospital and while he was receiving hospice care. Tony loved his phone calls from Brad which were frequent and treasured.

Tony was a deeply involved father to his three daughters as they danced, played sports, attended formal dances, dated, went off to college, married, and eventually had children of their own. His daughters and grandchildren became a daily part of his life, and Tony often felt as though he had been given the opportunity to experience being a parent all over again.

Heather called Tony faithfully every day, and during the last two years they often met at the mall for coffee whenever they could. Brandy was always ready to jump in the car and bring her children to her sister Britney's house. Tony treasured the time he spent with his grandchildren at Camp NeNe, (Britney’s house) during their summer weeks together, swimming, trips to the beach, holidays, birthdays, and countless other family occasions. In earlier years he enjoyed playing golf with his son-in-law, Jon Ensor and working on cars with his son-in-law, Michael.

Britney, Michael, and their children, Zelie and Colton, saw Tony every day. He drove the children to school, sports events, horse shows, trips to the barn, and doctor appointments. He was there to celebrate Zelie's high school graduation this year. Michael and Britney also became his fulltime caregivers during the last several months, caring for Tony as well as his wife, Barbara after moving them into their home.

Tony loved the simple routines of retirement. Walking around the mall became a daily event, and he became well known to the store associates and other regular walkers. He also spent much of his time at Harris Tire on RT.221, where he considered Kyle Nelson and the crew as close friends. Tony loved working on cars since he was a teenager and simply enjoyed being around people who shared this interest.

He also loved golf and football, both of which he played when he was younger. He and Barbara could often be found together every Thursday through Sunday watching PGA tournaments, as well as NFL games throughout the fall and winter on their television.

Tony was a complex and unforgettable man. He was strong, intelligent, capable, and could fix almost anything. He made friends easily and had a big heart and deep emotions. At the same time, he possessed a playful, sarcastic, and funny side that brought laughter to the people around him. He had a way of making an impression, and the lives he touched will be forever changed by having known him.

Tony will be missed dearly by his family and friends, especially Bobby and Deborah Farmer, along with their daughter Sarah who shared a close friendship with him for more than 30 years.

Tony was predeceased by his parents, his daughter, Brandy Ensor, and his late wife, Marlene Taylor Hawks.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Barbara Lewis Hawks; his son, Brad Hawks, (Jessica), of Kingsport, Tennessee; his daughter, Heather Marks, (Stephen), of Lynchburg; his daughter, Britney Rowles, (Michael), of Lynchburg; his son-in-law, Jon Ensor, of Fort Mill, South Carolina; his grandchildren, Katie Hawks (Zorida), Ethan Hawks, Raleigh Ensor, Reagan Ensor, Merritt Ensor, Zelie Rowles, and Colton Rowles; his sister, Carol Halsey, of Warrenton, North Carolina; and his nephew, Mack Halsey Jr., of Asheville, North Carolina.

The family would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to Tony's doctors and caregivers at Centra Cardiology, Centra Hospice, the Veterans Administration, Lynchburg General Hospital, and Lindsey Hahn, who provided such loving care to Tony and family each day during these past six weeks following the death of his daughter, Brandy.

A service celebrating Tony's life will be held on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Tharp Funeral Home, 220 Breezewood Drive, Lynchburg, Virginia 24502. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m followed by the service at 3:00 p.m. A Military Honor send-off will take place at the conclusion of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent in appreciation of Tony's tireless and selfless caregivers during the last year of his life:

Britney and Michael Rowles 

4500 Boonsboro Road 

Lynchburg, Virginia 24503

Tony lived a life of service, devotion, friendship, and love. He served his country, dedicated his career to excellence, mentored those who followed him, and gave his family the greatest gift of all—his time, his humor, and his heart. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.