A Tribute to the Life of Wayne Hawkins
Wayne Hawkins passed away Sunday, March 5, 2006, at University Hospital in Birmingham. Mr. Hawkins was born on November 5, 1937, in Fort Payne. Mr. Hawkins was a graduate of DeKalb County High School and Jacksonville State University. Upon his graduation from Jacksonville in 1961, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. He left the Army as a 1st Lieutenant in 1963 and began his career with Alfa Insurance as an agent in 1964. In 1972, he was named District Sales Manager and later promoted to Senior Vice President-Marketing for North Alabama. In 2000, Mr. Hawkins became Executive Vice President - Marketing with leadership responsibilities for approximately 1,500 agents and customer service representatives. Mr. Hawkins retired on March 1, 2006, after 42 years with Alfa.

Mr. Hawkins was an active member of Fort Payne First Baptist Church and a faithful member of the Baraca Sunday School Class for 30 years. He was actively involved in church, community and charity organizations. He participated in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life and was a charter member of the Board of Directors of Terrapin Hills Country Club. Mr. Hawkins was a member of the Board of the Jacksonville State University Foundation and the Board of Directors of Alfa/Virginia Mutual Insurance Corporation.

Everyone who knew Wayne Hawkins learned from him. He was a successful businessman and the ideal family man. He was selfless and giving, and he lived his life with purpose and without regret.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Helen Edwards Hawkins, sons and daughters-in-law Chuck and Susan C. Hawkins and Terry and Susan T. Hawkins, grandchildren Hunter and Presley Hawkins, Will McCurdy, Maggie, Liz and Conner Jordan, sisters and brothers-in-law Judith and Al Hammond, June and Alton Eller, sister-in-law Brenda Hawkins and several nieces and nephews. The funeral was held Tuesday, March 7 at Fort Payne First Baptist Church with Dr. Pat McFadden officiating. In lieu of flowers, and to honor Mr. Hawkins' love and devotion to his grandchildren, the family has requested that memorial donations go to the Fort Payne First United Methodist Church Youth Ministry.

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