Ronald "Pete" Hawley, 79, of Franklin, NC, passed away on Saturday, October 3. 2026.

Born in Beckley, West Virginia, Pete was the son of the late Woodrow and Ruth Harmon Hawley. At the age of 17, he moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where he developed the strong work ethic and adventurous spirit that would define his life. He later founded Klondike Construction and built a successful career in land development and construction.

In 1986, Pete relocated to Florida, where he continued his construction work, building numerous resort homes and villas in the Kissimmee area. In 2002, he made Franklin his home.

Pete proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was an avid outdoorsman and had a passion for fishing, especially fly fishing. While in Alaska he would fish for sockeye salmon along the Deschka River and he constructed a camp for fishermen near Alexander Creek which was only accessible by float planes. Being an avid hunter, he traveled to Zimbabwe where he went on safari and hunted b[g game. He was a passionate collector of pocketknives, vintage coffee memorabilia, and oil lamps.

Pete is survived by his loving life partner, Connie Coker; his children, Matthew Woodrow Hawley and Marcy Marie Schmelzer (Gary); his grandchildren, Ariel Hawley (Tommy Hall), Britini Hawley, Christian Hawley, Paige Hawley, Alexis Hawley, and Trevor Hawley; his great-grandson, Miller Hawley Hall; five sisters: and two brothers.

The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m. on Friday, October 16th at Macon Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will follow at 2 p.m. in the chapel with Pastor Jon Lyon officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The National Kidney Foundation or to the charity of one's choice.

Pete will be remembered for his hardworking nature, love of the outdoors. adventurous spirit. and the many lives he touched throughout his journey. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.