William Earl Hawthorne

William Earl Hawthorne, 78, was born in Long Beach, California on August 5, 1945, and passed away on July 3, 2024.

A Navy Veteran, Billy served his country during the Vietnam War on the USS Saratoga and the USS Lexington.  After serving his country, he was employed by Texaco in Port Arthur in the early 70’s retiring in 1996.  He moved to Colmesneil where he lived until his passing.  Billy loved fishing and hunting.  He was a good friend to everyone and could tear down and put back together an entire engine.  He loved being outside and loved collecting a variety of guns.

Billy was preceded in death by his mother, Juanita Hawthorne, father, Walter Hawthorn, brothers, Elmo and Craig Hawthorne, and a sister, Mary Dodd.

He is survived by his loving wife, of 39 years, Michelle Hawthorne; daughter, Shanna Gussman and son, William Hawthorne and wife, Jennifer; grandchildren, Jace Tarver and Amanda, Ashlyn Oliver and Daniel, Richard Guy, Wade Guy, and Aspen Hawthorne; great-grandchildren, Anna and Devon Oliver; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Belinda Biscamp, Charline and Gerald McDonald, Joann and David Bedore, James and Tessey Ross, James and Melissa Read and Jeff and Amanda Read; and a host of nieces, other family members, and friends.

A Celebration of Life visitation will be held Thursday, July 11, 2024, from 5 pm until 7 pm at the Riley Funeral Home Chapel. 

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