Allen Hawkins

Allen Hawkins, age 68, of Rainbow City, AL went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, December 18, 2025. He was a lifelong member of White Springs Baptist Church and a lifelong resident of Rainbow City, Alabama. Allen was born on February 21,1957 in Gadsden, Alabama. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who deeply loved his family. He was the youngest of four children and is preceded in death by his mother, Cordelia Curry Hawkins, his father, Louis Hawkins, brother, Bobby Hawkins, sister, Janice Campbell, and in-laws, Robert and Louise Gibson. Allen is survived by his wife, Ellen, daughter, Laura Hawkins Miller, son, Brett Hawkins, and sister, Serena (Bobby) Brothers. He leaves behind his special treasures Mason and Chloe Miller who he loved more than life itself.

Allen was a 1975 graduate of Southside High School and a 1979 proud graduate of Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Building Construction. He worked for the Gadsden Fire Department for 19 years and rose through the ranks, ending his career as Fire Chief for the City of Gadsden. After leaving the Fire Department he pursued his first love of building construction. He founded Allen Building Company in 1999 and built a successful career as a commercial construction contractor for the next 26 years. He was well respected in the field by his competitors who also became his friends. He took deep pride in his work and approached every project with skill and dedication which earned him a reputation for honesty and craftsmanship. He did many projects in Etowah and the surrounding counties. One of his last projects was Fire Station 7 for the City of Gadsden.

Allen was an avid pilot and proud owner of a Cherokee 180 for 35 years. He took his first solo flight at 16 years old and earned his pilot’s license at the age of 17. His accomplishments as a pilot were private pilot, instrument, multi-engine and commercial licenses of which he was very proud.

Allen met his wife, Ellen in 1980, and they married that year. Together they raised two children, Laura Hawkins Miller and Brett Hawkins. One of his greatest loves other than Ellen, Laura, and Brett were his adored grandchildren, Mason and Chloe, who called him “Pop”. They had his whole heart, and he loved them dearly.

The family would like to thank Dr. Jeremy Goodwin and staff, Angie and Jessica, Amy Dean Powell and Mike Ray for their friendship, and the 6th floor nurses and staff at Riverview Regional Medical Center.

The family will receive friends from 11:00-1:00 on Sunday, December 21st with funeral service to follow at 1:00. Graveside service immediately following the service at Ashland City Cemetery-Ashland, AL (Clay County).

Pallbearers will be grandson, Mason Miller, and members of Ellen’s family. Honorary pallbearers will be all of his friends at Northeast Alabama Regional Airport in Gadsden, friends of the Gadsden and Rainbow City Fire Departments, and his construction colleagues.

Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions can be made to Samaritan’s Purse, Wounded Warrior Project, or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.