Kenneth Ray Hawkins Jr., Kenny to his family and friends, was called to his Lord on July 27, 2019, after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 56.

Kenny is survived by his wife Linda and their three children, Zachary, Sarah and Paul; his mother Ruth Covins; his stepfather Larry Covins; his father Ken Hawkins Sr.; his brother Keith, sister-in-law Tina, nephews Dylan and Justin and niece Shelby; and his brother Kevin, sister-in-law Laura and niece Avril.

Kenny was born in Fort Myers and was an honor student and All-Star baseball player. His family relocated to Bradenton, where he continued to excel as a student and baseball player. He also served as president of the Key Club, supporting local charitable activities. Upon graduation from Manatee High School, he attended Manatee Junior College, where he was a member of the baseball program, and then attended the University of Florida, where he became a baseball trainer.

Kenny met Linda Dagen, the love of his life, and they wed in 1992. They settled in Brandon to raise their family. Linda and Kenny became a pillar of the community, raising their family and serving others. Kenny was a lifelong Gator, and a perfect family weekend undoubtedly meant a home game weekend in Gainesville. The Hawkins family is orange and blue, through and through.

Kenny served Brandon's youth for over 20 years with the Bloomingdale Youth Sports Association baseball league and Brandon Steelers Youth Football association as a coach and executive administrator. He was president of Bloomingdale Little League Baseball, and one of his greatest honors was having a field named after him. He tirelessly committed his time to helping create a better community for our kids. Baseball was always a major focus for Kenny, who realized the value of teamwork, a strong work ethic and character, and used baseball to help kids learn so much more than just how to hit a curveball. It was not unusual for Kenny to spend 50 or 60 hours a week at the park.

Kenny was a successful realtor with Carter and Company and found great joy in helping people find the home of their dreams. He made people comfortable and confident in making life-changing decisions. He had worked as a sales professional in several different industries. Kenny truly never met a stranger, and everyone felt that he was their best friend ... and he was.

Kenny Hawkins' life was defined by the love of his family, integrity, character, compassion and service to others. He was a man of great courage, even in the face of life's challenges. He took on every challenge as only a great man could. He truly is a role model (though he would never say that). He is the man you want to be, as a husband, a father, a son, a brother, a coach, a friend and a neighbor. His infectious belly-laugh, that welcoming smile and the twinkle in his eye will be missed by all who have known him.

Visitation will be Thursday, August 1 ^st , from 5 to 8 p.m.
Serenity Meadows, 6919 Providence Road, Riverview

Funeral service will be Friday, August 2 ^nd , at 11 a.m.
St. Andrews Methodist Church, 3315 S. Bryan Road, Brandon

Followed by processional to Serenity Meadows

In memory of Kenny Hawkins, flowers are welcome, or donations can be made to:
Bloomingdale Youth Sports Association
2215 Bloomingdale Ave.
Valrico, FL 33596
"In Memory of Kenny Hawkins"