Douglas "Doug" Leon Hawkins

Douglas Leon Hawkins, lovingly known to most as “Doug”, passed away on October 14, 2023 at the age of 72.

Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at Memphis Baptist Church with Brother Jim Tate officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Memphis Baptist Church Building Fund or the FAITH Riders Dothan Chapter.

Doug was born on August 13, 1951 in Pekin, Illinois. He was adopted at birth by Mildred and Leon Hawkins and raised in Plant City, Florida. He attended Turkey Creek High School in Plant City, Florida where he met his wife, Barbara. They were married on June 1, 1972. Doug served his country in the Navy from October of 1971 until March of 1980. He spent most of his time in service on the USS Nathan Hale, and was awarded the National Defense Medal, the Good Conduct Award (twice), the Battle Efficiency E Award, and a Meritorious Unit Commendation. Along with these accomplishments, Doug worked at Farley Nuclear Plant for 27 years prior to his retirement. Doug was highly involved in his church and his community. He was a charter member of the Dothan, Alabama chapter of the FAITH riders, served alongside his wife on the Memphis Baptist Church homeless mat ministry, worked as a CNA after his retirement from the nuclear plant, was a Covenant Hospice “My Wish” volunteer, and served with the SARCOA ramp ministry.

Doug is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Steve; and a sister, Melody.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 51 years, Barbara Hawkins; his three daughters, Lynn Reece (Steve) of Homossassa, Florida; Lori Furr (Corley) of Dothan, Alabama; and Teri Morris (Tommy) of Ashford, Alabama; his eight grandchildren, Brittany Hare (Jacob), Denise Reece, Kristen Sale (Christopher), Kayla Furr, T.J. Morris, Anna Brooke Morris, Luke Morris, and Kamryn Furr; two great grandchildren, Parker Sale, and Jude Hawkins Sale who is due in February of 2024; and his two sisters, Sharon Williams, and Deborah Otterson, both of Dothan, Alabama.

Doug was a loving husband, father, grandfather, neighbor, and friend. He will be remembered as a faithful servant of the Lord who was on a mission to spread the love of Christ in everything that he did. Doug Hawkins has left behind a legacy of faith and love that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Danny Gaylor, Steve McKnight, David Turner, Tim Burgan, Sammy Roney, Roger Hall, and Warren Abraham.

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