This past Saturday, a large group of friends, family and well-wishers came together at the historic French Camp Baptist Church for a time of fellowship with Rev. Roy D. Hawkins and to celebrate the publication of his new book, Horizons East, with a book signing.
A native of Choctaw County, Hawkins has spent his life in the great outdoors, hunting and fishing and has been blessed to see innumerable sunrises, and was inspired to share his experiences with others in book form.
Hawkins pointed out that his book was all about his hunting and fishing experiences as well as enough of the Gospel to point readers in the way of the Lord, and stated that if people chose to read his book or not, he hoped they would read the one book which is capable of truly changing their lives, The Holy Bible.
Hawkins’ good friend, James Skipper, said, “I don’t think I’ve ever met a man who enjoys hunting and fishing as much as he does,” adding that Hawkins’ father raised him on the Bible, but on nature as well, and he learned an appreciation for Creation at a very early age.
Hawkins stated that he wrote the first part of the book in 2011 without realizing that it would become a book, but everything fell into place. He acknowledged the love of his wife of almost 50 years, Patsy, and thanked her for her patience during the many late nights of writing.
Concerning his father’s legacy, Jody Hawkins said, “It hard to put in words. It’s something that he and I have always done together.” He added that their outdoor times opened the door for deeper and more important conversations and had without a doubt created a special bond between them.
Jody, a middle-school teacher and coach, and church deacon is hoping to pass the legacy down to his own children.
It is obvious that many have enjoyed and benefited from spending time in the outdoors with Hawkins as a sizable number stood when he asked how many present had hunted and fished with him.
Hawkins has been privileged to hunt and fish in a number of states and three Canadian provinces, and had been hunting with his son, Jody, on the morning of the book-signing.
