Legacy of Life for Adolph Alexander Hawkins, Jr.

Adolph Alexander Hawkins, Jr., slipped away peacefully on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, in the presence of loved ones. He was born on August 13, 1949, in Newport News, Virginia, to the late Adolph Alexander, Sr., and Annie Kate (King) Hawkins. He was the oldest of two children. He joined First Baptist Church East End at an early age.

Adolph, fondly known as "Hawk," "Coach," or "Junnie," began his education in the Newport News Public School System, attending Booker T. Washington Elementary School and then Huntington High School. There, as a "Mighty Viking," he excelled in multiple sports—football, baseball, and basketball—earning accolades and graduating in 1967. He proudly contributed to the 1966-1967 undefeated football team that went 10-0. These achievements led to football scholarships at Virginia Union University and later Hampton Institute (now Hampton University).

Like many of his peers at the time, Adolph, Jr., received his "Greeting" letter to enter the U.S. Army draft. Accepting this new chapter, he answered the call and served two tours in Vietnam. While in the military, he became a cook and would always talk about the specialty dishes he prepared and how he made cakes and pies from scratch.

After returning home, he first held supervisory roles at several supermarkets, followed by a position with the US Department of Transportation – James River Reserved Fleet at Fort Eustis, Virginia. Adolph later married the former Diane Hicks, and the couple had one son, Ahmad.

Throughout his life, "Hawk," as he was fondly called by many, became known for his knowledge on many subjects and his outspoken nature. If he said it and believed it, you could not change his mind. Ever versatile, he was also a jack-of-all-trades and even tried his hand at being a DJ for a while.

His enduring love for sports also shaped his later years. When his son Ahmad and nephew Sean played football, Adolph was a supportive coach, often assisting at Hampton High School practices where players admired him.

As time passed and his health declined, Adolph adapted by offering over-the-phone coaching and supporting loved ones however he could, remaining involved despite limitations.

Left to cherish fond memories are his son, Ahmad Rashad Hawkins (Krissy), of Charlottesville, Virginia; his grandchildren, Kadence and Ahmad, Jr., of Charlottesville, Virginia; his only sister, Linda Hawkins Hamlet (Kid), of Newport News, Virginia; his very special nephew, Sean Hamlet (Teresa), of Orlando, Florida; his special like-a-nephew, Jermaine Gholson (Shatra), of Waldorf, Maryland; his ex-wife, Diane Hicks Hawkins, of Hampton, Virginia; his two brothers-in-law, Simon Dwayne Hicks and Rev. Simon Hicks III, both of Hampton, Virginia; his sister-in-law, Valinita L. Johnson (Wallace), of Hampton, Virginia; his aunt, Evelyn Wilson, of Washington, DC; and his uncle, Lawrence Hawkins, of Lawrenceville, Virginia. He is also survived by other nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and close friends.

Family and friends are invited for a public viewing on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at O. H. Smith and Son Funeral Home, 3009 Chestnut Avenue, Newport News, Virginia 23607. A funeral service celebrating Adolph's life will take place on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church East End, 3000 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News, Virginia 23607. The body will be placed in the church two hours prior to the service at the church on Friday. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed on YouTube via myfbcee.org beginning at 11:00 am.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.