Gary Allen Hawkins Jr.

Gary Allen Hawkins Jr., 51, went to be with our Lord and Savior after complications with COVID on Sunday, September 26, 2021 with his family by his side at Grandview Hospital in Birmingham. He was born March 4, 1970 in Birmingham, Alabama to Susan and Gary Hawkins.

"Allen" was the youngest of three. His passion for aviation inspired him to enlist in the Alabama Air National Guard after High School in 1988.

"Hawk" graduated with Bachelor in Finance from University of Alabama Birmingham. He went on to commission and fly KC-135R Stratotankers for the Alabama Air National Guard until he retired as Lt. Colonel in 2014. He received two Air Medals for his support of contingency operations abroad.

Hawk excelled in his role at FedEx where he was a 727 second officer, 777 first officer, 757 captain, and ultimately 767 captain where he treasured his role as Captain and interactions with fellow pilots. He loved his family, the great outdoors, and followed his passion of aviation in so many different capacities.

Allen leaves behind his wife, Michelle; four sons, Bradley, Parker, Colby, and Riley; parents, Gary Allen Hawkins Sr. and Susan Hanna (Maxie) Hall; parents-in-law, Dianne and Elton Revell; sisters, Denise, Candace, Kimberlie, and Troy; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at the Walker County Airport in Jasper, Alabama at 12 noon on Saturday, October 2, 2021.

Allen was a true hero for this nation, for his family, and for his friends who all loved him dearly.