Jerry Nelson Hawley

Jerry Nelson Hawley, 73, of Poca passed away Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at his home. Born March 10, 1942 in Poca, he was a son of the late Gilmer E. and Emma Mae Thomas Hawley. Jerry was a 1960 graduate of Poca High School and was a member of the Nitro Masonic Lodge # 170 AF & AM, Scottish Rite Bodies, Beni Kedem Shrine Temple, Charleston, Nitro Antique Car Club, and a charter member of Scarlet Oaks Country Club. He was the owner/operator of Carpet Craft Corporation Floor Covering, Rock Branch for over 55 years, a company he started shortly after high school graduation. As the company grew to serve customers throughout Putnam and Kanawha Valley, it was continually awarded certificates and titles of distinction in the industry. Well known in the Poca area, and considered a pillar of the community, Jerry was very involved with Poca Schools activities and sports. From following his own children, then his grandchildren, there was never a more proud follower than Jerry. He could always be found in the stands supporting his Poca Dot teams. Poca Little League Baseball Field is named in his honor. He continued to fellowship with Poca Alumni through monthly breakfasts at Bob Evans with his graduation class, and the annual Alumni Dinners held each June. Jerry proudly won 2nd place in the Poca Heritage Day car show last Saturday for his 1951 Carpet Craft Chevrolet truck. He was also an ardent fan of West Virginia University Athletics. Jerry was an avid golfer and spent many days on the links with his best friends Donald Jones and Phil Meeks laughing and hoping to “hit em’ straight”. Jerry also owned and operated heavy equipment and loved to excavate. Considered by everyone who knew him, the hardest working man they know and a workaholic, he couldn’t wait for the day to begin so he could go to work. Always described as kind, funny, so very generous and giving, he touched the lives of all ages. Surviving are his wife, Donna Dailey Hawley; his children, son Chip, and wife Grindl Hawley of Poca, daughter Kim, and husband Jeff Watts of Poca; grandchildren, Sabrina Hawley Hager and her husband Justin of Poca, Jade and Brett Watts (who starts on the current Poca Varsity Football and Baseball Teams); his sister, Carolyn Harrison (Treva) of Cross Lanes; his brothers, Delbert Hawley (Anna) of Hurricane, Dennis Hawley (Peggy) of Poca, several nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, all who loved him immensely, as well as an expected great-grandson baby boy Hager, whom he was so excited to meet. Jerry would also want to thank his employees and customers he had throughout his career, and his dedicated employee of several years Chuck Lipford. A service to celebrate his life will be held at 2pm Sunday, October 4, 2015 at Rock Branch Independent Church, 133 Cross Lanes Drive, Nitro WV 25143, with his brother, Delbert officiating. You may visit www.chapmanfuneralhomes.com to share sympathies with the family. In keeping with his generous nature, Jerry donated his body to the Human Gift Registry of West Virginia University. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be made in his honor to the Poca High School Athletic Fund, 1 Dot Way, Poca, WV 25159. Chapman Funeral Home, family-owned and located at 3624 Winfield Road, Winfield is honored to serve the Hawley family.

Jerry Nelson Hawley

March 10, 1942 - September 29, 2015