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Edward Gary Hawkins was born on May 2, 1932, to the late Alice Hawkins and William Smith in Athens, Georgia.  Around 3:21 P.M. on November 12, 2022, Deacon Hawkins entered into eternal rest. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and two half-brothers.

Gary graduated from Athens High and Industrial School in 1950 and enlisted in the U.S. Army.  He fought in the Korean Conflict.  Upon his return home, he married the love of his life, Evelyn Lynette Hawkins on June 12, 1955.  The couple lived a holy and blissful happiness until her death on December 12, 2010.

Living in New York until his retirement from the New York Times, Gary was very active in the community and civic organizations and initiatives. He served as an usher in the Walker Memorial Baptist Church in New York and served faithfully in that capacity until he fulfilled his promise, and returned to Athens, Georgia to live out his retirement years. Upon his return to his hometown, he was affiliated with East Friendship Baptist Church where he served actively as a deacon, church treasurer, member of the SAMS Ministry, and a trustee until his passing. He was devoted to his church and supported it via his time and financial resources. Additionally, he was a member of the Athens Chapter of the Retired Teachers Association, and the Athenian Club. Gary was an avid New York Giants fan and loved to go fishing.

Gary leaves to cherish his memory of many family members and friends.  He is survived by three nieces:  Marilyn Avigail (Gail) Favors of Hull, Georgia; Kathy Maddox of Augusta, Georgia; Nelva Smith of Dallas, Georgia; four nephews:  Michael (Evelyn) Smith of Peekskill, New York; Craig (Melissa) Smith of Round Rock, Texas; Stanley Smith of Cleveland, Ohio; Martin Lucas (Luke) Maddox of Athens, Georgia; grand nieces and nephews, godson Anthony Shields, and a host of other relatives, friends,

and his beloved church family: East Friendship Baptist Church.