William B. (“Bill”) Hawthorne was born August 3, 1942 and passed away July 25, 2022 at his home in Branson West, MO after a year-long battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Brenda Hawthorne, son Shane (Barb) Hawthorne of Springfield; son Chris Hawthorne (Linda) of Springfield; grandson Blake Hawthorne and granddaughters Erika and Mila Hawthorne all from Springfield. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, E.B. and Lula Mae Hawthorne and younger brother Ronnie Hawthorne.

Early Life:

Bill was born in Cairo, Georgia and was raised in Albany, GA where he graduated from Albany High School in 1960. Following high school, Bill spent two years attending Georgia Southwestern University and married his high school sweetheart , Bren, in 1961.

Career:

Bill began working for Lilliston Implement Co. in Albany later that same year then relocated with his young bride to Waco, Texas where son, Shane was born in 1965. While still working as a salesman for Lilliston, Bill moved his young family again to Pine Bluff, AR where they welcomed another son, Chris, in 1970. In 1975, Bill landed another opportunity with Tractor Implement Supply Co. (“TISCO”) and finally moved “home” to Springfield. Bill continued selling tractor implements throughout Southern Missouri and Northern Arkansas until he finally retired in 2008 and moved with Bren to their dream home on Table Rock Lake and enjoyed spending winters with great friends and neighbors in Estero, FL.
Bill lived a big life full of outdoor adventure and fun, but mostly he loved his family and spending time with them. Bill and Bren celebrated their 61st anniversary in April of this year. Bill’s passing will leave a big hole for all those who loved him and called him friend.

Visitation will be on Monday, August 1, 2022, 10:00-11:00am, at Greenlawn Funeral Home South. Funeral service will begin at 11:00am. Bill will be laid to rest in Maple Park Cemetery following the service.