William Robert (Bobby) Hawley Sr.

William Robert (Bobby) Hawley Sr, 87 of Fayetteville NC joined his family in heaven on Thursday, October  11, 2018. With a loving family by his side, Bobby left this earthly home peacefully and has now seen Jesus his Savior face to face.

Born on September 1, 1931 in Fayetteville NC, to Maurice Sr and Vennie Seawell Hawley, Bobby was the youngest of 7 siblings and grew up in Massey Hill.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers M.A. Jr, Marvin, Norman, Vance (Minkey), sisters Margaret H. (Boggy) Bucy and Myrtle H. Cashwell.  Left to cherish his memories are wife Barbara Hawley; sons William R Hawley Jr (Tammy), Steve Hawley (Jan), Mark Hawley (Sandy), David Hawley; Ten grandchildren Zack Hawley, Megan Freiburger, Caity Hawley, Mandi Hawley, Tyler Hawley, Sara Hawley, Michael Hawley, Rick Strahley, Chris Strahley and Jennifer Godbold; Nine great-grandchildren Ricky Strahley, Logan Strahley, Noah Smith, Morgan Strahley, Teagun Strahley, Shyanne Godbold, Gracie Godbold, Rylan Godbold and Roman Kline; Sister-in-law Joyce Hawley and many nieces and nephews.

Bobby was married to Barbara Warren on Dec 6, 1952 and was a faithful and loving husband for 65 years.  They were life partners as well as business partners and traveled the world together visiting over 50 countries.   Bobby leaves a legacy of being a devout Christian who was very giving to his family, friends, community and church.  Bobby was a respected and successful businessman and entrepreneur.   His dream of opening a bike shop dates back to when he was 12.  He bought 4 bikes from a man for $10 with money he had saved from his first job delivering and selling newspapers.  He repaired the 4 bikes and sold them for $10 each.   Over the years he continued working, growing and saving money from his newspaper route to purchase land and build his dream.  In 1964, with his wife Barbara by his side they opened Hawley’s Cycle and Camping Center on Raeford Road.   The childhood repairs were the starting point for a family business operation that included all 4 sons, and eventually included Hawley’s Bicycle World in the original location on Raeford Rd; Hawley’s Camping Center in Fayetteville, Garner and Wilmington; Hawley’s Bicycle World in Columbia SC; and The Hawley Company in Lexington SC.   Methodist College named Bobby and Barbara Hawley co-recipients of the Small Business Excellence Award in 1997.   Bobby loved attending UNC football and basketball games, traveling in his motorhome, spending time with his grandkids, watching Hallmark movies, gardening, working Sudokus and jigsaw puzzles.  He leaves us with wonderful memories, and his impact and influence on our lives will forever be felt.   

Bobby served in the Air Force from 1951-1954 and was stationed at Scotts Field Ill, Pope AFB, and Bitburg, Germany.  He was an active member of Aaron Lakes Baptist; former deacon at Village Drive Baptist; was a founding member of Pearce’s Mill Fire Station; a founder and board member of the former Highland Savings and Loan; supporter of the Association of the United States Army, YMCA, Salvation Army, and the Endowment Scholarship programs at Methodist College and with the UNC Educational Foundation.  

The family would like to thank the many friends for their calls, cards, visits, prayers and support over the last few months.   The family would also like to thank Phillip Hall of Community Hospice for his compassionate care and love shown to Bobby.  All of you are loved and appreciated.

A visitation with the family will be held on Sunday, October 14, 2018 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Sullivan's Highland Funeral Service.  The Celebration of Life service will be at 1:00 pm at Arran Lake Baptist Church in the Family Life Center on Monday, October 15, 2018.  

Memorial Donations can be made to one of the causes that were close to Bobby's heart: Arran Lake Baptist Church, "All In" Building Fund, 1130 Bingham Dr., Fayetteville, NC 28304; Mack Roberts Evangelistic Association, P.O. Box 374, Dublin, NC 28332; Maurice and Vennie Hawley Scholarship, Methodist College, 5400 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28311.

Services are entrusted to Sullivan's Highland Funeral Service & Crematory, Inc.