Billy Hawthorne, 81, of Abbeville, husband of Helen Cannon Hawthorne, died Monday, June 20, 2016 at the Hospice House in Greenwood. He was born in Abbeville to the late George W. Sr. and Elizabeth Hughes Hawthorne. Mr. Hawthorne proudly served his country in the United States Army. He retired from the former Milliken and Company – Abbeville Plant with over 47 years of service. Mr. Hawthorne attended Abbeville First Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, James Ethridge and sister, Sarah Hall. Mr. Hawthorne is survived by his wife of 57 years of the home; two sons, Ray Hawthorne and his wife, Janice of Abbeville and Rev. Daryle Hawthorne and his wife, Christy of Belton; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends 10:00AM – 11:00AM, Thursday, June 23, 2016 in Harris Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 11:30AM in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens with military honors. Memorial contributions, in memory of Mr. Hawthorne, may be sent to Hospice Care of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646. The family is at the home of Ray and Janice Hawthorne in Abbeville. A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com. HARRIS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES of Abbeville is assisting the Hawthorne family.