David Hancel Hawkins, Jr, died unexpectedly in his home in Clayton, NC on Wednesday, September 7, 2 022. David's love for all people was evident in each word he spoke and action he took. His broad smile and bright eyes were beacons of hope and love to all who crossed his path. For six decades, he anchored and strengthened those around him with these life-giving and nurturing spiritual gifts.

Born in Winston-Salem, NC on March 18, 1962 to Annie E. Hawkins and David H. Hawkins, Sr, both along with his grandmother, Geneva Lentz and grandfather, OW Lentz, preceded him in death. David graduated from East Forsyth High School in 1981 and enrolled at Wake Forest and Shaw Universities. A lifelong learner, David balanced classwork with employment off-campus as well. His selfless dedication to others, inspiring work ethic, and generosity of heart shone in every task he undertook.

Whether it was: being a DJ on Shaw University's radio station; working as an audio technician at WRAL; excelling as Assistant Store Managers at Lowe's and Home Depot; or managing a horse racing breeding farm - David's passion for life, love for others, and dedication to detail left indelible impressions on everyone fortunate enough to know him. David was recently nearing completion of his Bachelors of Arts in Communication from Shaw University.

David loved all genres of music, and his record collection was vast. He was the co-founder of an online audio-file group where participants shared their love and knowledge of music from areas across the world. In addition, he was a proud member of the BMW Car Club of America (his detailed care of Tasia's BMW was immaculate.) His gifts in the kitchen were also legendary - as anyone who was fortunate enough to taste his pork chops, fried chicken, spaghetti, steak, and special seasonings may attest.

For the past decade, David contributed in immeasurable ways to his students' and colleagues' successes at Knightdale High School. Working with special needs students as an Instructional Assistant in the Occupational Course of Study program, David offered his students both practical and real-world career skills and knowledge - while also modeling for them 'soft skill' emotional intelligence that they are carrying with them for the rest of their lives.

In addition to his work in the classroom, David served as both the men's and women's golf coach. As a certified PGA golf coach, David led his Knightdale High School men's golf team to compete at the state level in 2019. David also worked as a Driver's Education Instructor for Wake County students through Jordan Driving School.

As much as David loved his students, the best gift Knightdale High School gave him was the love of his life - his wife, Tasia. Having met as colleagues at Knightdale High School, David became Tasia's true Knight in Shining Armor, and she was his Lady. Their love for one another stretches from our earthly kingdom to the Kingdom without end.

David is survived by wife, Tasia W. Hawkins; daughter, Skyler E. Hawkins; sisters, Wyvern Anthony, Carolyn White, Mary (Torre) Lewis, Sharnay Torrance, Elizabeth Wiggins; brothers, Sonny Hawkins, Christopher (Kathi) Styles, Gerald (Sharon) Kirkland; aunts, Ethel Avery, Paulette Walton, Carolyn Sanders Parker, Beverly Williams, Sharon Sanders; uncles, Charlie Lentz, Robert Walton, Elwood Sanders, Michael Sanders; godson, Langston Styles; seventeen nieces and nineteen nephews; and a host of cousins and other beloved family members; mother-in-law, Wynee Varner; father-in-law, Anthony Brown; grandmother-in-law, Eveline Faulk; brother-in-law, Javarr (Tameka) Sanders; special lifetime friends, Wilson Weaver and Jeketa Floyd.

Public viewing will be from 12:00 PM until 6:00 PM, Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 15, 2022 at 1:00 PM in the chapel of Clark S. Brown & Sons. Family visitation will be one hour prior to service. Interment Gardens of Memory, Walkertown, North Carolina. *Masks required.

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