50-Year-Reunion

Eric O. Hawkins 4011 Tallwood Drive Greensboro, North Caroliina 27410 (304) 887 - 6706 eohawk57@gmail.com

Prior to 1974, I was just your ordinary kid. The guidance counselor tried to steer me toward a Vo - Tech program. It was not until my senior year that I started to take school seriously. Everything changed when I started dating my lifelong sweetheart, Rhonda. That high school romance continued through our senior year. At my parents ’ insistence, I pursued a college degree. Someone recommended the new Respiratory Therapy program at Bluefield State College. I was totally clueless about what being a Respiratory Therapist meant, but I liked the idea of wearing a white lab coat. The fact that Rhonda was entering the nursing program gave me an additional incentive. My life took a traditional path. Rhonda and I finished college, started work and soon after, we got married. A few years later, I started what had been a dream of mine, to build my own home. With just enough money we built the shell of a home. The next four years were spent finishing the inside. With good careers, a nice home, three wild boys and my crazy wife, life was an adventure. Fortunately, I had chosen a rewarding profession that I loved. As I grew professionally, I became more involved with the West Virginia Respiratory Care Association, serving in multiple roles including President. Towards the end of my career, I was appointed to the West Virginia Licensing Board of Respiratory Care by the Governor. Rhonda and I made the choice to remain in Bluefield early in our life. It was a blessing to have families together as our boys grew. Later in life, we were able to care for them as they aged and passed. Please read Rhonda ’ s bio for all those details. Now retired, we are living our “ golden years ” in Greensboro, spoiling two grandchildren. We have been blessed with good health and enjoy traveling. Sarah Turner, a Bluefield native co - wrote a song that was recorded by Alan Jackson, “ The Older I Get ” that sums up my life at this point.

I have truly had a wonderful life.

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