Mr. Kenneth Lee Hawkins was born to the late Vollie Hawkins and the late Tonamie Ive Gantt on May 12, 1954 in Morganton.  He departed this earthly life for his eternal home on Monday December 30, 2024, at Care Partners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville.  He was educated in the Burke County School system and following graduation from high school, he served his country in the United States Air Force.  Kenneth retired as a laborer in manufacturing.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers Tommy R. Hawkins, Donny F. Hawkins, Johnny F. Hawkins, and one sister Sandra H. Bowens.

Left to mourn his loss but cherish his precious memories is his son Christopher Tate (Heather) of Asheville; brothers Ralph E. Hawkins (Charless) of Atlanta, GA, David M. Hawkins of Morganton, and Bruce A. Hawkins of Morganton; sisters Betty L. Hawkins of Morganton, Kathi H. Abrams of Forest City, and Peggy H. Brown of Forest City; two granddaughters, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday January 8, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at Olive Hill Cemetery, with military honors rendered by the U.S. Air Force. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. in the Corpening Memorial Chapel of McCain Funeral Home & Cremations prior to the funeral procession to the cemetery.

The service will be livestreamed on the McCain Funeral Home & Cremations Facebook page and YouTube Channel; the links are found below:

McCain Funeral Home & Cremations Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/mccainfuneralhome/

McCain Funeral Home & Cremations YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu4qb7IT7sO-Kc0BRs05J-A