John Raymond Hawthorne

John Raymond Hawthorne, 61, of Greenwood, died peacefully on Saturday, August 13, 2011 at the Hospice House in Greenwood. He was born on October 4, 1949 in Abbeville County to the late Theodore and Nona Wilson Hawthorne. Mr. Hawthorne was a 1967 graduate of Abbeville High School and received an award for perfect attendance from kindergarten through high school. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Lander University. Mr. Hawthorne served in the S.C. National Guard and owned and operated WJ Petroleum Transport, Inc. in Greenwood. He was of the Baptist faith, an avid Clemson fan and a dedicated member of IPTAY. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Nancy Gail H. Hughes. Surviving Mr. Hawthorne is his son, Wilson Hawthorne, and his wife, Jessica, of Lexington, SC; daughter, Jane H. Merrill, and her husband, Albert, of Greenwood; three granddaughters, Leslie Juul and Rebecca Pratt Merrill and Beatrice Pia Marie Hawthorne; a brother, William Theodore "Ted" Hawthorne, and his wife, Ann, of Abbeville; and a sister, Margaret H. Zugsberger, and her husband, David, of Lake Secession. The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the nurses and staff of NHC Healthcare and HospiceCare of the Piedmont for their dedication and compassionate care given to their father. The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 14, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m at Harris Funeral Home with the service conducted by The Reverend Nicholas M. Beasley beginning at 3:30 p.m in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow in Long Cane Cemetery. The family is at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Albert L. Merrill in Greenwood. Memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Hawthorne may be sent to the HospiceCare of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29649 or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 1100 New York Ave. NW, Suite 660, Washington, DC 20005. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com HARRIS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES of Abbeville is assisting the Hawthorne family.