Kerry Todd Hawkins, age 55, joined his Heavenly Father on February 18, 2023. He was born October 10, 1967 in Decatur, AL, and graduated from Austin High School in 1986. He resided on Smith Lake, and recently retired from Mercedes Benz USI in Vance, AL in Electrical Maintenance. Kerry was also a realtor with BJC Real Estate in Cullman. He was a member of the North Alabama Association of Realtors and Cullman County Association of Realtors.
Kerry leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 34 years, Nikki Smith Hawkins, and four amazing daughters: Brittany Hawkins Orschel, Meghan Hawkins Golson (Drew), Savannah Hawkins Welborn (Jason), and Kirsten Alexandra Hawkins (Caleb). He was a devoted “G-Pappy” to six beautiful grandchildren: Jude Golson, Jackson Welborn, Amelia Welborn, Hamilton Golson, Samuel Welborn, and Rosemary Golson. Kerry is survived by his mother Betty Cowan Hawkins of Decatur; his brothers Keith Hawkins of Vinemont and Kendall Hawkins of Guntersville; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Sharon and Ron Johnston of Decatur and Felita Smith of Cullman; his sisters-in-law, Danielle and Bradley Terry of Decatur; Tiffany Pappas of Montgomery; brother-in-law Tyler and Lorna Smith of Cullman, not to mention a host of family and friends. Kerry was preceded in death by his father Wendell J. Hawkins of Decatur; father-in-law Doug Smith; grandparents John Homer and Erie Hawkins of Eva; and grandparents Algie and Gladys Cowan of Decatur.
In his youth, Kerry started out his work career at Hawkins Gulf, a family owned service station in Decatur. As reflected in his 55th Birthday video tribute, he made a lasting impression on all of his friends with his infamous mullet and his green ‘68 Firebird.
Kerry was a loyal fan of the Crimson Tide. Kerry spent many days boating on the waters of Smith Lake with family and friends. Kerry was a huge Elvis fan and like Elvis, gravitated to Gospel music. He shared his love of music with his girls, and they all enjoyed attending concerts together. Kerry also enjoyed traveling with his family to the beach and The Grand Hotel. He was known for his amateur photography skills where he loved capturing God’s magic in the sky, particularly sunsets and flashes of lightning.
Known for his quick wit, tender spirit, and gentle manner, Kerry was a man of tremendous faith. He loved the Lord and had a sincere appreciation for all of the blessings bestowed upon him. Kerry loved his wife, his four beautiful daughters, sons-in-law and his six grandchildren who affectionately referred to him as G-Pappy. Kerry was a former member of Southside Baptist Church and attended the Church of the Highlands and Annunciation of the Lord Catholic Church.
Kerry, arm in arm with family and a slew of supporters, participated in the Rump Shaker Charity Run/Walk several times in Birmingham to raise awareness for colon cancer. In keeping with this spirit, the family asks that you wear something blue to raise awareness for Colon Cancer.
Visitation and Celebration of Life Services for Kerry will be Thursday, February 23, 2023 at The Witt House, 1167 S. Bethel Road, Priceville, AL, with visitation from 1:00 – 3:00 pm followed by funeral services to begin at 3:15 p.m. Brother Cliff Lewis will be officiating. Kerry’s resting place will be overlooking the heart and soul of his life in Decatur, by the Tennessee River, on a hillside of the Decatur City Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mark McCurry, Jeff Summerford, Jeff Lott, Gary Pace, Todd Witt, Steve McGlocklin, Matt Pride, and David Royer. Honorary pallbearers will be the men of AHS Class of 1986. Peck Funeral Home is directing the services.
