David Paul Hawkins

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Mr. David Paul Hawkins, 69, passed away peacefully with his family by his side Tuesday, September 28, 2021, at Baptist Memorial Hospital – Memphis, TN.  The funeral service will be Saturday, October 2, 2021, at 3:00 P.M. at Taylor United Methodist Church in Taylor, MS with Rev. Eddie Willis officiating.  A visitation will be held prior to the service from 11:00 A.M. to 2:30 P.M. at Waller Funeral Home.  There will be a graveside service on Sunday, October 3, 2021, at 2:00 P.M. at Oxford Memorial Cemetery.

Mr. Hawkins was a retired Mississippi Band Director, a career that spanned 25 years.  During that time, he spent 23 years at North Pike Schools in Summit, MS.  He was named Mississippi Outstanding Band Director due to the continual success of his music programs.  Continuing his passion outside of work, Mr. Hawkins was an active member and music leader at Taylor United Methodist Church.  He enjoyed playing the trumpet throughout his musical lifetime, and was a founding member of The Carlton South Carolina Showband.  He also played guitar, loved playing golf, and enjoyed watercolor painting.  He was thrilled to retire to Oxford, MS to be near his beloved granddaughter, and where you could catch him cruising around town in his baby blue Thunderbird convertible.  Mr. Hawkins is preceded in death by his parents, Ellis and Dorothy Bradley Hawkins.

Mr. Hawkins is survived by his love, Joy Newby Hawkins of Taylor, MS; a daughter, Katie Murphy and her husband, Josh of Taylor, MS; one granddaughter, Francie Murphy of Taylor, MS; one brother, William “Bill” Hawkins and his wife, Becky of Ocean Springs, MS; a brother-in-law Frank Newby and his wife, Shirley of Gautier, MS; a sister-in-law Tricia Newby Hennessey and her husband, Larry of Metairie, LA; three nephews, Brad Hawkins and his wife, Kate of Nashville, TN; Don Hawkins and Stephanie of Jackson, MS; and Michael Hennessey of Alameda, CA; one niece, Kathrin Williams of Ocean Springs, MS; as well as one great-nephew and three great-nieces.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to:

University of Mississippi Bands – Attn: David Willson

“In Memory of D.P. Hawkins”

103 Music Building

University, MS 38677

umband@olemiss.edu

662-915-7390