Herbert Laureston Hawley, III

Herbert Laureston Hawley III passed from life on December 10, following his heart and “the love of his life,” Emma Jean Hawley. He is survived by two daughters, Mary Hawley Zimmerman and Kate Hawley, and their spouses, Kevin Zimmerman and Geoff Going. He is also survived by two brothers, William Hawley of High Point and Charles Darwin Hawley of Greensboro and their families. He was born on February 21, 1922 to the late Bennett Hawley and Beulah Owen Hawley. Bert lived a life of service. An Army veteran, he was a radio operator in the Pacific theater during World War II and also served in the Korean Conflict. He attended the University of North Carolina under the auspices of the GI Bill. He graduated in 1950 and was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society. He returned to Carolina to earn a Masters Degree in Public Health in 1968. He was the Executive Director of the North Carolina Chapter of Easter Seals during the 1960’s. With his family, he relocated from Durham to Salisbury in 1968, to become the Director of Public Health for Rowan County. He retired in 1992. Bert was also an accomplished artist whose landscapes now grace homes locally and beyond. His appreciation of classical music and art, and the beauty of his home state, his knowledge of history, and his delight in reading and learning influenced his family and friends to expand their interests and involvement in culture, learning, and service. Bert was recognized with honors throughout his life, including those conferred by Governors Terry Sanford and James Hunt, and by Easter Seals’ Board of Directors for outstanding public service. A retrospective of his paintings was exhibited at Waterworks Gallery in 2004. However, none of these shine light on his finest achievements – those of being an unconditionally loving and devoted husband and father, and a forgiving and steadfast friend to many. His intelligence, wit, compassion, and the tender balance of salt and sweet in his nature will be held dear by all those who knew him best. The family wishes to thank his medical team, including Drs. Douglas Shellhorn and Seifert and the staff at Rowan Regional Medical Center, and caregivers Tammy Smith, Brittany Wear, Tina Hinson, Amber Furr and Katrina Quimby. Memorial service will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, December 18, 2010 at Summersett Memorial Chapel with Rev. Jerry Snipes officiating. The family will receive friends from 1-2:00, prior to the service. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Herbert Hawley’s name to any of the following organizations: Waterworks Gallery, 123 East Liberty Street, Salisbury, NC 28144; the North Carolina Nature Conservancy, 4705 University Dr., Suite 290, Durham, NC 27707; the Salisbury Symphony, 2300 West Innes St. Salisbury, NC 28144; or Easter Seal UCP North Carolina, 2315 Myron Dr., Raleigh, NC.

Herbert Laureston Hawley, III

February 21, 1922 - December 10, 2010