Daniel James Hawkins III

In Celebration of the Life of Daniel James Hawkins III May 6, 1952 – October 18, 2025 With grateful hearts, we celebrate the remarkable life of Daniel James Hawkins III, born on May 6, 1952, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Mary and Daniel Hawkins Jr. Daniel was educated in Glynn County schools in Brunswick, Georgia, and later in the New Orleans public schools. As a young boy, he was a Boy Scout, where he developed early values of discipline, leadership, and service that would guide him throughout his life. From a very young age, Daniel’s brilliance and curiosity shone brightly. To his parents’ surprise, at the age of three, he read a book on astronomy, amazing them — they could hardly believe he was reading, but he was. A proud graduate of Benjamin Franklin High School, Class of 1970, Daniel earned the National Achievement Scholarship Award for his outstanding academic accomplishments. He first attended Dillard University for one year before deciding to serve his country with pride and honor in the United States Army. Daniel was stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana, and later traveled to Germany, where he continued to demonstrate leadership, dedication, and a strong sense of duty. Upon returning home from military service, Daniel resumed his education at the University of New Orleans, where he earned a degree in Sociology and served as an assistant to the professor under an academic assistantship. His intellectual curiosity, discipline, and love of learning continued to shine throughout his life. Following his military and academic accomplishments, Daniel built a long and respected career as a Flood Control Coordinator for the State of Louisiana, having previously served as an Employment Service Specialist. His professionalism, kindness, and compassion left a lasting impression on his coworkers and the many individuals he helped throughout his years of service. Daniel was united in marriage to Peggy Bush, and together they had four children — Daniel James Hawkins IV, Allen Hawkins, Ulysses George Bush (Shirley Bush), and the late Chantelle Lynette Bush. Daniel is survived by his loving and devoted sister, 💛 Gaynelle A. Hawkins, and his kind and caring brother, Clifford J. Hawkins (Sheila Hawkins) of McComb, MS, both of whom he cherished deeply. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Daniel Hawkins Jr. of New Orleans; his maternal grandparents, Nelson and Laura Holloway of Brunswick, Georgia; his beloved siblings, Nelson Kenneth Hawkins Sr., Rhodena Hawkins Williams, and Laura Hawkins LeBlanc; his parents-in-law, Mr. Daniel and Louise Bush of Kenner, Louisiana; and his wife’s siblings — Daniel Bush Jr., Maryland Bush Jack, Virginia Bush Lee, Delores Bush, Loretta Marie Bush, and Diana Bush. He also leaves to mourn his sister-in-law and brother-in-law’s: Clara Bush, Dwayne Bush, Derrek Bush, and Don Bush. Daniel leaves behind three beloved grandchildren who brought him great pride and joy: Allen Avery Hawkins, Daniel James Hawkins V, and Algerian Avery Hawkins. He shared a lifelong friendship with James McField, who was like family to him. They were as close as brothers and deeply connected to the entire family. Daniel loved to sing and was deeply involved in his faith. He served as assistant superintendent at Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge and grew up in Payne Memorial African Methodist Church upon moving to New Orleans from Brunswick, Georgia, where he was active in Sunday School, the church choir, the usher board, and the YPD. He also enjoyed singing at Crown of Life and occasionally served as a soloist in the choir. He is also survived by a host of special family including an aunt, nieces, and nephews: Janie B. Holloway (Brunswick, GA), Sandy Stewart (Atlanta, GA), Carome Hawkins (Cypress, TX), Nelson Hawkins Jr. (Tiffany) Houston, TX, Morris Matthews III (New Orleans, LA), Danielle Matthews (Port Wentworth, GA), Christle Young Hawxhurst (Seattle, WA), Dana Young Clark (Johnathan) New Orleans, LA, Ariane Hawkins Mitchell (Larry) Boutte, LA, Anthony Young Jr. (Metairie, LA), Terrence Hawkins (Houston, TX), Tiffany Young (Slidell, LA), Kristyn Williams (Kenner, LA), Mary Young Hawxhurst (Perry) Metairie, LA, Morriyah Matthews (New Orleans, LA), Imani Ramee (Katy, TX), and Amari Williams (New Orleans, LA). Daniel was humble, kind, and never boastful about his remarkable intelligence. He always delighted in learning, and he loved the friendly competition of Scrabble with family. Many fondly remember watching him answer questions on Jeopardy! with ease, sharing his gift of knowledge in ways that brought joy and pride to those around him. At 73 years old, Daniel was a man of wisdom, kindness, and humor. His gentle spirit, quick wit, and joyful heart brought light to those around him and reflected a life lived with curiosity and compassion. Daniel’s journey was one of curiosity, courage, and generosity. Though he has now gone on to eternal peace, his legacy of brilliance and warmth will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He will forever be remembered as a brilliant mind, gentle soul, and joyful spirit — a man who made the world brighter simply by being in it. “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. Daniel has gone to the place God prepared for him, and we take comfort knowing that one day we will be with him, where he is with the Lord.” — John 14:2–3 (NRSV)