MANTACHIE - Ricky Edward Hawkins, 62, passed away Sunday, December 24, 2023, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. He was born August 31, 1961, to Edward Royce and Billie Jean Wilson Hawkins. Rick was saved at a young age at Tombigbee Baptist Church, where his father was pastor, and was active in church his entire life. He graduated from Mantachie High School, Itawamba Community College, Mississippi State University, and the University of Alabama-Huntsville, where he earned his Ph.D. in electrical engineering. Rick worked as a design engineer for Harris Technologies in Melbourne, FL, Raytheon in Forest, MS, Huntsville-Pentastar Electronics, Phase IV Systems, and Plexus International in Corinth, MS. He also worked as a professor for Northeast Mississippi Community College, the University of Southern Mississippi, and the University of West Alabama. Musically talented, Rick and was an accomplished guitarist, played the saxophone, and enjoyed singing in the choir. An extremely intelligent man, Rick loved reading, studying the bible, playing basketball and golf, and was an avid Mississippi State fan. He enjoyed following his children's activities.

Survivors include two sons, Bill Hawkins (Heather) of Lockport, LA, and Clint Hawkins (Shelby) of New Albany; two daughters, Andrea Rakestraw (Brett) of Blue Springs and Danielle Norris of Hickory Flat; his parents, Bro. Royce and Billie Hawkins; his sister, Vicki Cates, and nephew, Chase Cates, all of Fawn Grove; and eight grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Leta Mae Wilson and Clint and Mittie Lou Hawkins, and a son-in-law, Jeremy Norris.

Private family services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 31, at the McNeece-Morris Funeral Home Chapel in Mantachie with Bro. Roger Akers and Bro. David Perry officiating. Burial will be in the Stephens Cemetery.

Public visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, December 30, at the McNeece-Morris Funeral Home in Mantachie.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to LeBonheur or St. Jude Children's Hospital.