Louis Hawkersmith, age 82, of Tullahoma died November 26, 2013.  He passed away from a short illness at the Centennial Medical Center in Nashville.

Mr. Hawkersmith bought his first Tennessee Walking Horse in 1963, and he became a member of TN Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association in 1963.  He was co-owner of H & R Stables in Tullahoma from 1964 - 1967, then the stables became the home of Buddy Black Stables and Ronnie Spears Stables from 1970 - 2010.

Mr. Hawkersmith owned many World Champions including 1969 World Grand Champion Walking Pony Scat Man's Kitty Kat, 1972 & 1973 World Grand Champion Walking Pony Little Big Man, World Grand Champion Ebony's Belle (grandmother of 2013 World Grand Champion Bel Air), two time World Champion Hosanna, World Champion Pushin' Bushes, WC Coco's Sensation, WC Majestic Madonna, WC Eb's Go Boy, WC Hometown Favorite, and WC Pushin' In Dixie.

Mr. Hawkersmith purchased Hawkersmith & Sons Nursery in Tullahoma at age 20 and owned and operated the nursery until his death.  He was named the Conservation Farmer Of The Year in 2004.

Mr. Hawkersmith is survived by his wife Jean Hawkersmith of Tullahoma, daughter Pam Hawkersmith of Manchester, son Steve Hawkersmith and wife Linda of Tullahoma, daughter Paige Edwards and husband Gary of Dawson, GA.  Grandchildren are Hayden Hawkersmith, Shannon and husband Billy Hamblin, and Ginger and husband Jordan Ennis; and six great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his brother, Leon Hawkersmith, of Estill Springs.