Louis Hawkins Jr.

Louis Hawkins Jr., 53, a beloved brother, husband, and father, passed away on September 18, 2024. He is survived by his wife, Stephanie, of 27 years, daughters Alexandra and Jessica Hawkins, and his brother, Ken Williams. Louis was preceded in death by his brother David Williams. He leaves behind in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews whom he held close in his heart.

Louis was born in Richmond, VA to Lois and Louis Hawkins Sr., on August 11, 1971. After graduating from Franklin Military High School, he joined the United States Army. During this time, he attended the Academy of Health Science at Fort Sam in Houston, TX where he found his passion for scrubbing and assisting in the operating room. He graduated from the Academy of Health Science on November 8, 1990.

Louis was a true force in the operating room, scrubbing the most difficult cases, including traumas, cardiac procedures, and heart transplants at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond. After several years in this field, he decided to become an active duty member of the United States Army. Instead of being placed in a military hospital, he was assigned duty as an artillery specialist, quickly becoming leader over a TRAM system in Fort Sill, OK. Following his assignment, he returned to MCV in Richmond where he joined the transplant program. His recognizable work led to his title of Lead Surgical Tech, where he assisted on liver, kidney, and pancreas transplants. He met his wife, Stephanie, in the OR and married on December 27, 1997. After welcoming their first child, Alexandra, they moved to Atlanta, GA in November 1999.

In Atlanta, Louis was a proud and valuable member of several programs including, the cardiac program at St. Joseph Hospital, Crawford Long Hospital, and finally Kennestone Hospital where he facilitated advancement of their new cardiac program. Intermittently, after the birth of his second daughter, Jessica, he traveled as a Certified Surgical Assistant. In all of these positions, he was a leader, an educator, and a steward for facilities and surgeons’ preferences. In 2023, he took a step back from the operating room and joined Abbott as the Georgia Structural Heart Valve Territory Manager. He loved the challenge that came with this change, and worked tirelessly to provide excellent service and care.

Louis was an avid Cowboys fan, even through their ups and downs, always ready to raise the flag for “America’s Team!” He enjoyed current events, politics and loved a game of chess and a good bourbon. If you knew Louis, and he loved you, you got a nickname. “Buttercup,” “Petunia,” “Commander,” “Bananas,” “Ally Bug,” “Slick Rick,” were just a few family favorites that took permanent place over actual names for years. He was a Trekkie who loved music, singing and dancing, and could often be found sharing this love with his family or even alone in his office. Louis had a wonderful gift for listening and a heart that would give you anything and everything he had. He would stop for those down on their luck and pray with them.

His wife, Stephanie, writes:

To my loving husband, I love you more than words can ever say. You’re my best friend, my partner in crime, and the love of my life. There will not be a day that goes by that I will not miss you, my love.