Ronald "Skippy" Hawkins

RONALD COLEMAN HAWKINS, affectionately known as “Skip” or “Skippy”, was born on July 31, 1932 in Baltimore, Maryland to the late Margorie Hawkins and Purvis Whitted. Ronald departed this life on November 22, 2021. As a child and young adult, Ronald lived in West Baltimore and the Wilson Park Community. He was raised by his grandparents, the late Elmer and Mary Hawkins. Raised up in a Christian household, Ronald was taught at an early age about the love of God and was a member of the Metropolitan United Methodist Church. Ronald was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System. In 1950, he enlisted in the United States Army. He faithfully served his country during the Korean War and was stationed in Nuremberg, Germany and Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma. Rising to the rank of Corporal, Ronald was presented with an Honorable Discharge in 1953. After returning to Baltimore, Ronald met and fell in love with the late Gloria Ann Barland. Ronald and Gloria were married in 1956. Their union lasted over 25 years until her death in 1981. Ronald held job positions prior to joining the Federal Government in 1953. Serving in several supervisory and managerial positions, he received numerous certificates and awards including Social Security Administration’s highest award, The Commissioner’s Citation. After retiring from the Social Security Administration in 1987, Ronald was bitten by the entrepreneurial bug. He started several businesses including Atlantic City Bus Trips, Carpet Cleaning Service, Same Day Distribution and Mailing Service, Hauling and Moving Service, buying and selling Antiques. Ronald also opened and operated the first Black-owned Flea Market located in the Marriottsville Plaza Shopping Center on Liberty Road in Randallstown, Maryland. An avid Jazz enthusiast and sports fan, Ronald especially enjoyed race tracks, bowling, field events and skiing. Also known as a social butterfly, he was active in many social organizations and held offices in many including the American Legion. Ronald also enjoyed morning coffee at Dunkin Donuts and lunch on Wednesdays with The Guys (mostly retirees from Social Security) at the Old Country Buffet or the Windsor Inn. A man of integrity, humble, caring and compassionate, Ronald loved people in general and was highly respected and loved by many. Having no biological children of his own, he had an exceptional love for the younger members of his family and extended family. Ronald leaves numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends to cherish his memory including his goddaughter, India Brown Rapley; and caregivers, “adopted daughter” Rita Perry and close friend Gail Blackwell. Fifteen siblings preceded him in death

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Ronald "Skippy" Hawkins

July 31, 1932 - November 22, 2021