Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

September 11, 2026

CHARLOTTE - Frank Erwin Hawfield passed away on September 11, 2026, after an extended illness.  He was born on October 16, 1948.  His parents were William Benjamine Hawfield, Sr. and Nancy Erwin Hawfield.  He is survived by a brother, Ben Hawfield, Jr. (Linda), two nieces, Amy Hawfield Watson and her children, Benjamin James Watson and Elizabeth Githens Watson, and Lindsay Hawfield Jones (Brian) and her children, Ella Kee Jones and William Hawfield Jones.  Frank is also survived by numerous cousins on both sides of his family.  Frank especially cherished his memories of summers spent with his Ardrey cousins on their farm.

Frank grew up in Charlotte and graduated from Myers Park High School. There he served as an assistant manager of both the football and baseball teams for Coach Gus Purcell and Coach Jack Sink, respectively, and received varsity letters in both sports. After high school, he graduated from Central Piedmont Community College with an associate’s degree in business administration.  Frank joined the warehouse team at Eckerd’s where he worked for more than ten years. 

Frank’s faith was an anchor for his life. He was introduced to Christian faith as a boy attending Harrison United Methodist Church and later became a member of Calvary Church. While attending a singles mission conference at Calvary Church, the minister challenged the young people there to enter the mission field.  Frank felt a call and joined the JAARS Center in Waxhaw which supports Bible translation.  Frank thrived within the JAARS community, working in the purchasing and shipping department for 20 years before retiring.  Frank made close friends there, particularly with roommates, Glenn Blauser and Duke Simpson.

Frank was born visually impaired and eventually went blind.  With encouragement from the Metrolina Association for the Blind, Frank attended the North Carolina School for the Blind in Raleigh where he received training in life skills and computers. Using software that spoke the text of digitized information, Frank communicated often with family and friends. In addition to regular emails, Frank also composed and shared thoughtful reflections of his childhood and summarized Hawfield and Erwin family history.

Frank’s cousin, Horace Byrum, organized a chapter of the Lions Club in Waxhaw, which Frank joined, serving as a member and officer in various capacities through the years.  Using a tape recorder and his computer, Frank captured minutes and filed activity reports for the organization.  He served as secretary of the club for over a decade.  He was recognized a “Secretary of the Year” by the Lions district multiple times and served a term as president of the club. He received both the Melvin Jones and the Jack Stickley awards for distinguished service.

Frank took multiple mission trips sponsored by JAARS to the Philippines to visit missionaries his work supported.  He developed strong relationships there and, as long as he was able, stayed in touch for many years.  The Waxhaw Lions Club also sponsored a week for Frank each summer at Camp Dogwood on Lake Norman which was geared to accommodate visually impaired persons.  In addition, he attended fishing trips to the North Carolina coast organized by the state Lions Club organization.

After retirement, Frank moved to The Sharon at SouthPark where he resided for 17 years until his passing.  Frank adored his great nieces and nephews who called him “Tank.” In his apartment, he kept a cabinet full of toys for their enjoyment when they came to visit.  It gave him great joy to hear their squeals and laughter when they played on the floor of his apartment. 

The family is exceedingly grateful for the kind care Frank received at the Sharon.  In addition, he was served by excellent companions in his later years, particularly David Thompson, Tori Person, Ronnita Christian, and Dakwan Porter.

Memorials may be sent to Calvary Church, Missions Fund, 5801 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte, NC 28226.  Burial will be private.  A memorial service will be held at the Calvary Church Chapel at 11:00 on Saturday, September 19, 2026.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.