McKenzie — A Celebration of Life for Don Lee Hawkins is on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, at Brummitt McKenzie Funeral Home at 7 p.m. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until service time Wednesday night.

 Mr. Hawkins, 79 years old, died at his home surrounded by his family on Oct. 8, 2025. He was born on Nov. 12, 1945, to James and Eva Inez Vinson Hawkins. He attended school in Milan and was a member of the football team; some called him a legend, others a football star. He was a Methodist in Faith, a member of the Local Steamfitters Union 407 and 617, was an avid duck hunter and loved to fish. Throughout the years, he hosted several benefit shoots at his residence.

He is survived by his wife, Rhonda Wilson Hawkins, and they were together in love since 1995 and married in 2012; his children, Donald “Bubba” Hawkins, John (Camie) Hawkins, Janet (Bart) Gibson and Anthony (Bethany) Lake; a sister, Connie (Roger) Birdwell; two brothers, Ralph (Reba) Hawkins and Tommy Hawkins; nine grandchildren, Dylan (Hannah) Hawkins, Matthew Hawkins, Lainee (Colton) Ulrich, Luke Gibson, Lydia Gibson, Carsyn Hawkins, Mason Hawkins, Scarlett Selman and Canyon Chandler; and two great-grandchildren, Heath and Paisley Hawkins.

 He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Andrew Wilson Hawkins; a brother, Ronnie Hawkins; and a sister, Mary Smith.

 If you need further assistance, please call Brummitt McKenzie Funeral Home 731-352-4848 or visit our website at brummittmckenziefuneralhome.com.

The Messenger Online/11.3.25