Ralph Lee Hawkins

Born in Atlanta, Ralph was a proud 1965 graduate of Dublin High School. He continued his education at Brewton-Parker College, graduating with honors in 1967, and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, also with honors, from Georgia Southern College in 1969. After teaching high school math for a year, Ralph answered the call to serve his country and joined the United States Army.

He completed basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and was the Honor Graduate of the SSE Signal School at Fort Gordon, Georgia. Ralph spent the remainder of his military career stationed in West Germany, where he worked in Atomic Demolition Munitions and rose to the rank of E-6 Staff Sergeant.

Following his service, Ralph returned to Georgia Southern College and completed his Master’s Degree in Education in 1975. He later moved back to Atlanta and graduated from Control Data Institute in 1976, continuing a lifelong commitment to education, discipline, and personal growth.

Ralph went on to have a long and accomplished career as an Information Technology Specialist, with his final and longest tenure being at Global Payments. Beyond his professional achievements, he was a passionate Atlanta Braves fan and a talented chess player, winning multiple tournaments. Ralph and his wife, Jay, were avid cat lovers who raised several show cats and traveled to cat shows across the country, including California. Together they were also enthusiastic bowlers, collecting numerous trophies over the years. Ralph was additionally an avid bridge player. A devoted Southern Baptist, he was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Ralph was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gillye Jaynell Richardson Hawkins; his mother, Margaret Lee Harbuck Hawkins; and his father, Rev. Carroll Wallace Hawkins, Sr.

He is survived by his brothers, Carroll Wallace Hawkins, Jr. of West Point, GA, and David Carvarsa Hawkins of Dublin, GA. Ralph will be remembered for his sharp mind, gentle spirit, strong work ethic, and unwavering loyalty to his family and country.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 27, from 6:00–8:00 PM at H.M. Patterson & Son – Oglethorpe Hill Chapel.

A gathering for family and friends will take place on Thursday, May 28 at 10:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM in the chapel. Interment will follow at North Atlanta Memorial Gardens.

Ralph’s legacy of service, honor, and dedication will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.