William Ashton “Billy” Hawthorne, 88, of Dundas, Virginia, died on his birthday July 20, 2016. He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Mary Lou Howe Hawthorne, and by his special friend, Margaret Gregory.

He is survived by his children; Robbie and Beverley Hawthorne, Crissy Hawthorne, Johnny and Lil Hawthorne, and Kathy and Chris Griffin. He was grandfather to nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren, Lucy (Jed) and Darcy Willis, Patrick Griffin, Katy (Josh) and Blake and Oakley Overby, Kiley (Gabriel) and Maline Griffin Taylor, Benjamin Sanford, Christopher (Brianna Beere) and Michael Sanford, Will Hawthorne, Ashton Hawthorne, and Ann Morgan Hawthorne.

Billy was a salesman, farmer and logger. He passed on his love of the outdoors, tremendous work ethic, and his generous nature to all his children. He graduated from Fork Union Military Academy and attended The University of Richmond before serving two years in the Army.

He was an active member of the Dundas Ruritan Club. Graveside services were held, Sunday, July 24, 2016 at 2:00 in the Lakeview Cemetery, 8th Street, Blackstone, VA.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Dundas Ruritan Club c/o Nick Daniel, treasurer, 539 Olo Road, Dundas, VA 23838 or to The Hundley Center at VCU-CMH, P.O. Box 90, South Hill, VA 23970. Clarke Funeral Home, Kenbridge in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be made by visit:www.clarkeandstaples.com