Willie Lee Hawkins Jr.,  59, of 1208 MLK Drive, Waycross, was called by the Lord to his heavenly home from this earthly home early Thursday morning, January 12, 2017, at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Waycross.

He was born to the union of the late Willie Lee Hawkins Sr. and the late Arie Faison Hawkins, May 12, 1957 in Pearson. He became affectionately known as “Duck” to some and “Hawk” to others. He received his education from Ware County Senior High School in 1976.

He pursued a trade as an auto mechanic and enjoyed working on cars. He also, enjoyed doing landscaping and fishing. But most of all he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and sitting with his son-in-law talking about the Lord.

Here on this earthly journey he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother, Johnell “Pig” Hawkins.

His memories will be cherished by three children, Will Hawkins III, Atlanta, Lashanta (Derek) Davis, Waycross and Jaden Dionne Scott, Blackshear; seven grandchildren, Willie Lee Hawkins IV, Virginia Beach, Chloe Hawkins, Atlanta and Arianna Davis, Jordon Hawkins, Tiana Davis, Leanna Davis and Derek Davis Jr., all of Waycross,;three brothers, Clarence Hawkins, Lakeland, FL and Randy Hawkins and Trent Hawkins, both of Waycross; five sisters, Alice (Frank) Owens, Connie (Nathaniel) Roberts, Lashune (Michael) Lewis, Lanius (Timothy Sr.) Gillians and Janice Hawkins (Mary Ann), all of Waycross; his love and best friend, the former Leola D. Hawkins, Waycross and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, from the chapel of Rainge Memorial Funeral Home.