Wray Alex Hawkins Sr.

Wray Hawkins Sr was born on June 11th, 1925 to Joseph C. Hawkins and Malinda M. Eggers.  He passed away on June 27th, 2023 at the age of 98.  

Wray attended school and graduated at Helix, Oregon.  He enjoyed playing sports through his school years. 

Wray married Barbara Power on February 21, 1953. The Wray Hawkins family with children, Wray Jr, Debra, and Kelly lived on the family wheat farm near Myrick station. 

Wray's real passion was dry land wheat farming. He never considered his career work, and always explained that it was fun.  Wray was very proud of his brothers Don and Bob and himself in purchasing and successfully operating the farm on Buttercreek highway.

Wray also enjoyed the occasional golf game, playing card's with his friends, hunting and spent many hours on his coin collection.  

Wray was a family man who enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, especially during the holidays.  He would always dress up for these occasions.  

During his lifetime Wray was active in the community. He served on the Pendleton Grain Growers and Happy Canyon boards.  He was Exalted Ruler for the Pendleton Elk Lodge.  He volunteered for the Pendleton Round up running a gate.  Wray had a tradition of being served the first drink on Tuesday to open up the Let er Buck room to kick off the rodeo.  Wray also enjoyed Liars Club, Helix Booster and Echo Quarterback Clubs. 

Wray commented towards the end of his time that he indeed has had a wonderful life and got to do all the things he enjoyed.  

Wray is survived by his wife Barbara, daughter Debra Shampine (Paul deceased) Son Kelly (Pam), and daughter in law KC ( Wray Jr deceased), his sister Dorothy Joan Scheyer,  grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. 

Wray was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Don and Bob Hawkins, and sisters Janey Owens and Margie Johansen. 

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on July 8, 2023, at the Peace Lutheran Church in Pendleton, Oregon.