Daniel James Hawkins III

In Celebration of the Life of Daniel James Hawkins III May 6, 1952 – October 18, 2025 Early Life and Education 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 initially educated in Glynn County schools in Brunswick, Georgia, before moving to New Orleans. He attended John McDonogh High School for 10th grade, where his teachers, impressed but often challenged by his brilliance, recommended he transfer to Benjamin Franklin High School. Daniel then completed 11th and 12th grades at Benjamin Franklin, where he excelled academically, graduating with the Class of 1970 and earning the National Achievement Scholarship, a program administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) for outstanding Black American students, recognizing his exceptional academic accomplishments. From a very young age, Daniel’s brilliance and curiosity shone brightly. At the age of three, he read a book on astronomy, amazing his parents. As a young boy, he was a member of the Boy Scouts of America, where he developed early values of discipline, leadership, and service that would guide him throughout his life. Daniel first attended Dillard University for one year before serving in the United States Army, stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana, and later in Germany. Upon returning home, he graduated from the University of New Orleans in 1977 with a degree in Sociology and served as an assistant to the professor under an academic assistantship. Career Daniel built a long and respected career working for the State of Louisiana, serving as an Employment Service Specialist and later as Supervisor of the Flood Control Coordinator Division. His professionalism, kindness, and compassion left a lasting impression on his coworkers and the many individuals he helped throughout his years of service. Family Life Daniel was united in marriage to Peggy Bush Hawkins, and together they shared four wonderful children — Daniel James Hawkins IV, Allen Hawkins, Ulysses George Bush (Shirley Bush), and the late Chantelle Lynette Bush. He is survived by his loving sister, Gaynelle A. Hawkins, and his kind and wonderful brother, Clifford J. Hawkins (Sheila Hawkins) McComb; his wife’s siblings, nieces, and nephews; and three beloved grandchildren: Allen Avery Hawkins, Daniel James Hawkins V, and Algernal Avery Hawkins. He shared a lifelong friendship with James McField, who was like family. Faith and Community As an adult, Daniel joined Crown of Life Lutheran Church, where he actively participated in church activities, nurtured a lifelong passion for singing, and occasionally served as a soloist. He was the proud godfather of his goddaughter, Ariane Hawkins. Personality and Legacy Daniel was humble, kind, and never boastful about his remarkable intelligence. He loved friendly competition, family gatherings, and sharing his knowledge with joy and pride. At 73 years old, he was a man of wisdom, kindness, and humor — a loving husband, devoted father, proud brother, and loyal friend. His gentle spirit, quick wit, and joyful heart brightened the lives of his family and friends. Daniel’s journey was one of curiosity, courage, and compassion. Though he has now gone on to eternal peace, his legacy of love, brilliance, and generosity will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends. 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. Scripture “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)