Jerry Donald Hawkins

Jerry Donald Hawkins of Taylor, Texas, passed away on August 5, 2024.

Jerry was born in Watt, Limestone County, Texas, on December 9, 1941, to Marion Owen Hawkins and Elva Edna (Welch) Hawkins. He was quick to remind friends and family that he was born two days after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Jerry spent much of his youth in and around Waco, Texas, including playing football and running track at Mart High School in Mart, Texas, just outside of Waco. His athletic abilities were recognized in 1959, when he was named to the Waco Tribune-Herald’s Super Cen-Tex Football Squad.

Jerry married Shirley Jean (Quebe) Hawkins in 1973. They celebrated 50 years of marriage together in 2023. They made an excellent team.

For almost forty years, Jerry worked in the pot room at the Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa) plant in Rockdale, Texas. He was also a member of the United Steelworkers Union, Local 4895, and Solomon Masonic Lodge #484. Jerry took pride in teaching memory work to many of his fellow Masons. He credited this experience with helping him develop his skills as a leader and an advocate for others. This led him to take on extra responsibilities with the United Steelworkers that took him around the United States providing safety inspections and educating fellow union members at United Steelworkers work sites. He was a fierce advocate for workers’ rights, and his reputation preceded him in his professional, union, and lodge endeavors.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Shirley, and his siblings Marion Lavonne Hawkins, Arlie Hawkins, Elaine McGill, and James Hawkins. He is survived by his brother Tullis Hawkins and spouse Sherry Hawkins of Belton. He leaves behind his children, Haylie Martinez and spouse Eddie Martinez of Taylor, and Stephen Hawkins and spouse Margaret Garry of Austin. He also leaves behind grandchildren, Alyxandra Martinez and partner Zachary Smith of Taylor, Alan Martinez and fiancée Giselle Ayala of Jarrell, great-grandson Kaison Millican of Taylor, and numerous friends, relatives, fellow Steelworkers, and fellow Masonic Brothers.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 8 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Providence Funeral Home in Taylor, Texas. A service is scheduled for Friday, August 9 at 10:00 a.m. followed by interment at the Taylor City Cemetery.