Jerry "Jay" Hawkins

Memorial services for Jerry Wayne (Jay) Hawkins, Jr., will be held at noon, Thursday, February 25, at Smith Funeral Home, Winder, Georgia. Due to COVID restrictions, there is no visitation. Burial at Bethabra Church Cemetery will be family only. Mr. Hawkins died February 21, 2021, at Emory University Hospital Hospice, surrounded by his family.

Jay was born August 11, 1967, in Winder, Georgia, the son of Patricia and Jerry Wayne Hawkins. He was a 1985 graduate of Winder-Barrow High School. He attended Jacksonville State University, Troy, Alabama, and the University of Georgia, Athens. He was a member of Church at Winder.

Jay's earliest work experience in Winder included work at Radio Shack and Esoteric. He became co-owner/manager of Loco's Restaurant on Main St., Winder. He had tremendous pride in providing a quality restaurant for his hometown. His last work experience was as mentor-counselor in training with Penfield Ministries.

He was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Frances and Guy Rutledge and paternal grandparents, Grace and B.F. Hawkins. He is survived by his parents; daughters Madelyn Grace Hawkins of Monroe, Kaylan Hawkins Marlowe (Perry) of Comer, Georgia; and their mother Allison Ridgeway Matthews; cousins Catherine Cauthen Young (David), William Anderson Cauthen, III, (Wendy); aunt Jane Hawkins Cauthen of Cramerton, North Carolina, cousin Austin Biles of Belmont, NC; and lifetime friend Jan Mason Epling of Dacula.

The family expresses deep gratitude to Emory University Hospital Hospice staff and the ICU medical staff. Their loving support gave us guidance and comfort in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Penfield Addiction Ministry, 1061 Mercer Circle, Union Point, GA 30669. For online donations go to paminc.org. Under the “More” tab, you will find the donations link. You may also call to donate at 706.453.7929.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder, is entrusted with the arrangements.