Dan J. Hawkins (Danny)

09/19/1949 - 03/01/2025

Dan "Danny" J. Hawkins, 75, passed away on March 1, 2025 with his family by his side. Throughout his life, he was known for his deep love of family, his unwavering generosity, and a sense of humor that could light up any room.

Danny was born on September 19, 1949, and grew up in Opelika, where he attended Opelika High School and medaled on the school's diving team. Danny was employed at Ampex for over 30 years in the Maintenance Department, where he started as a maintenance technician and then worked his way up to foreman before becoming the Department Supervisor. Danny owned Hawkins Service Company where he utilized his wide range of skills including electrical work, heavy equipment operation, tree surgery, landscaping, carpentry, and OTR truck driving.

Danny was admired for his thick, never-graying hair even at the age of 75 and his signature catchphrases, including his usual greeting, "Hey Redneck!" and his classic remark upon hearing the price of even the smallest purchase, "That's a house payment in Beauregard." Danny was an avid on-line poker player where he amassed a small fortune in unspendable money.

Danny is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Linda Hearn Hawkins; his sister, Paulette Scott; and his three children: Rhonda Allen (Trent) of Athens, GA, Michael Hawkins (Rebecca) of Opelika, and Candace Hawkins (Keith) of Beauregard. He was preceded in death by his mother, Emma Hawkins Elliott and his sister, Paula J. Hawkins, his beloved canine companion Diesel and his granddog Bing.

He was a proud and devoted grandfather and great-grandfather to his grandchildren Shai Norrell, Myranda Hawkins (Alex), Sierra Norrell (Colin), Kimberly Kloss (Tristan), Bailey Davis, Lyric Davis, Brayden Smallwood, Brantley Smallwood and his great-grandchildren Charlie, Wesley, and Lucy, all of whom brought him immense joy.

Danny never missed an important moment in his children's and grandchildren's lives, attending school events, sporting events, cheerleading events, karate tournaments, and beauty pageants.

Danny's kindness and willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need left a lasting impact on all who knew him. He never met a stranger, and his humor, warmth, and wisdom will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and community.

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 5, 2025 from 12:00PM - 1:00PM in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home & Crematory located at 1801 Frederick Road, Opelika, AL 36801.

A Service will follow at 1:00PM in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home & Crematory with Brother Jackie Prickett officiating. Interment will be at Garden Hills Cemetery, 1218 Frederick Road, Opelika, AL 36801.

A reception for the receiving of family and friends will follow the interment.

Open Door Tabernacle

Reception Hall

2045 Lee Rd 42

Opelika AL 36804

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.