John Edward Hawkins, 85, of Belton, died Jan. 8, 2018.

A native of Belton, he was a graduate of Anderson College, Erskine Theological Seminary and Luther Rice Seminary. He served as pastor of numerous South Carolina Baptist churches over his 55-year career.

Survivors include two children, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Arvaleen Hawkins.