William J. Hawkins, of Drexel Hill, passed away at Broomall Nursing & Rehabilitation Center on Monday, June 9, 2014. He was 83 years old. Born in Chester, he was the son of the late Frank W. and Emma (nee Cantwell) Hawkins. Upon the death of his father, both Bill & his brother Frankie were sent to the Wallingford Orphanage because his mother could not care for all of her children. Bill credited his experience at the orphanage for his self-discipline and industriousness. While in the orphanage, Bill found work cutting lawns in the neighborhood which led to a life-long love of gardening. On the weekends he also walked into Media to work as an usher at the Media Theater. When he was in high school, his older sister and husband were able to bring Bill to live with them in Chester. He attended Chester High School with his nephew. While in high school, he worked at a local clothing store. On the advice of his sister, Bill joined the Navy and served on the USS Des Moines. Bill took advantage of his GI Bill to attend the Pennsylvania Military College (Now Widener University). As a student he worked at a local grocery until he saved enough money to buy a truck. Although he continued to work at the grocery, he also began making deliveries for the grocery and others who could pay him. He graduated from PMC in 1960 with a B.S. in Administration. Work was difficult to find so he continued working for the grocer until he heard that Drexel University was hiring. He began working at Drexel University in the Evening College, eventually becoming the Director of Student Services for the Evening College. As Director, he instituted a number of programs to help the wives cope with their husbands' long days. Husbands would work all day and then attend college or study in the evening leaving them with little time to spend with their wives and families. Each year students and their families looked forward to the annual square dance, children's holiday party, a spring social and a summer picnic. After he retired, Bill kept active by helping people in his neighborhood with their lawns and gardens. He also took care of the property of the Lansdowne Public Library for a number of years. Services will be on Saturday, June 21, 2014 at 10 a.m. at the Reformation Lutheran Church, 105 West Rose Tree Road, Media, PA 19063. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Goodwin School/Drexel University, P.O. Box 8215; Philadelphia, PA 19101. Arrangements by The Oliver H. Bair Funeral Home. (610) 449-8585