Robert "Bobby" Walker Hawes

Augusta, GA - The world became a little less bright on April 17, 2026, with the passing of Robert Walker Hawes (Bobby), whose infectious laughter and unending humor brought joy to everyone around him.

Bobby was born in Augusta, GA to Jesse Norman Hawes and Ina Guillebeau Hawes on Friday, September 13, 1944. Bobby grew up in Augusta and graduated from The Academy of Richmond County. He attended Augusta College and graduated with a BBA in Economics.

As a veteran of the U.S. Navy, Bobby served his country with honor and integrity. During the Vietnam War, Bobby was stationed in Danang (1968-1969) and was attached to the Third Marine Division. While stationed there, he survived a weeks long attack during the TET Offensive. Bobby retired from the Navy Reserves after 22 years of service.

After his service in Vietnam, Bobby began his career with Johnson and Johnson, McNeil Division, where he was recognized each year for 27 years as one of the most outstanding in the company in sales and leadership performance. Because of his achievements, Bobby was one of three selected to attend the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania where he was top of his class.

As a result of his success, he was asked to join a group of other top producers to form a new pharmaceutical company focused on the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis. Scandipharm was formed and grew to become a global company helping both children and young adults dealing with this disease. They called him the “Scandi-Man” who gave out “Scandi-Smiles.” Scandipharm was successfully sold in 2000 and he retired.

However, being the Type A personality he was, Bobby decided to start a “scratch” Allstate Insurance Agency and was named Agency of the Year for the Southeast District the first year. He grew the business to be the largest Allstate Agency in Augusta with a 2.9 million dollar book of business in four years. Successfully marketing- “You’re in good paws with Bobby Hawes.” Because of his many achievements, Bobby was named to the Presidential Who’s Who Among Business Achievers.

As President of Hawes and Associates, he maintained and rented properties he owned to Medical College of Georgia students and then students at Augusta University. He was know as “the best landlord.”

Later in life, Bobby was approached to write about his experience in Vietnam and was willing to give writing a whirl contributing to the book “A Long Journey Home”.

Bobby was a member of First Baptist Church of Augusta where he served as a Deacon and was a member of the Cason Bruker Sunday School class for 55 years. He was chairman of the Stewardship Campaign for 2 years in which time it was the first year pledges hit one million. He was a member of Augusta Country Club, the Pinnacle Club, the Augusta Rotary Club, a member of the Huguenot Society of South Carolina, a charter member of the Augusta chapter and later President of the Sons of the American Revolution. Bobby was also a member of the Sons of the Magna Charta. He served on the steering committee to raise funds for the Vietnam War Memorial which was built in Augusta. He was also a member of the Georgia Historical Society and Historic Augusta.

Bobby was a dedicated husband to his loving wife of 54 years, Victoria Lee Burt Hawes (Vicky) and a devoted father to his two children Robert Jackson Walker Hawes (Robb) (deceased) and Robyn Lee Hawes Ferrell (Lee) and son-in-law Timothy Jae Ferrell (Tim). He was a proud grandfather of two grandchildren, Morgan Riley Ferrell and Gretchen Victoria Ferrell, who were the “apple of his eye”. He taught his children and grandchildren to enjoy every moment life has to offer. Bobby made every moment unforgettable.

The service will be held on Thursday, April 23 at 2pm in the Storey Chapel of First Baptist Church, 3500 Walton Way Ext, Augusta, GA 30909. Visitation and reception to follow.

The pallbearers will be Byron Brown, David Hudson, David Bell, Warren Daniel, George Grant, Billy Moss, David Moss, Lee Moss, Terry Cobb, Norman Skelton, Nick Evans, Drew Daniel, Ronald Anderson; honorary pallbearers will be The Cason Bruker Sunday School Class at First Baptist.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com