In Memory of Dr. R. Douglas Hawkins

April 15, 1935 – September 5, 2015

Troy Animal Clinic is what it is today because of one man’s decision. In 1959, a young veterinarian fresh out of Auburn University moved to Troy with his wife Rachel, purchased a small animal clinic on South Brundidge Street, and got to work. Dr. R. Douglas Hawkins practiced veterinary medicine in Troy for 52 years. The clinic he built is now in its third generation of family ownership.

From Luverne to Auburn to Troy

Doug Hawkins was born on April 15, 1935, in Luverne, Alabama. He graduated from Luverne High School in 1953 and enrolled at Auburn University, where he threw himself into campus life. He edited the freshman handbook and served as editor of the Glomerata, Auburn’s yearbook. He earned his degree from the Auburn School of Veterinary Medicine and, not long after, he and Rachel were putting down roots in Troy.

He was 24 years old when he bought the clinic. He would practice there for more than five decades.

52 Years of Practice

Dr. Hawkins treated the pets of generations of Troy families. His clients grew up, had their own pets, brought in grandchildren with puppies and kittens. He retired in 2011, by which point his son, Dr. Robert Hawkins, had been practicing alongside him for more than 20 years.

That continuity was not accidental. Dr. Hawkins built something he clearly intended to last, and it has. In 2020, his grandson, Dr. Douglas Hawkins, joined the practice. Three generations of Hawkins veterinarians have now cared for the animals of Troy and the surrounding area.

A Life Beyond the Clinic

Dr. Hawkins gave as much to his community as he did to his profession. He was a Rotarian for 52 years. He was a charter member of the Troy Jaycees and served as president. He served as president of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce. He was a charter member of the Pike County Pioneer Museum board and served on the Troy-Pike Cultural Arts Center Board of Directors.

He was appointed to the Board of Trustees of Troy State University in 1980 and served in that role for 35 years. He organized the Greek system at Troy University and chartered the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, serving as chapter advisor for 25 years. The university named him Greek Man of the Year in 1969.

That breadth of involvement tells you something about who he was. The clinic was central to his life, but it was never the whole of it.

His Legacy

Dr. Hawkins passed away on September 5, 2015, at the age of 80. He is remembered by his family, by the Troy community, and by the many clients who trusted him with their animals over the years.The clinic he purchased in 1959 still stands on South Brundidge Street. His son and grandson practice there today. We are proud to carry his name forward.