Otis Wesley Hawkins transitioned this earthly life on August 3, 2015. He was born August 6, 1935 in Louisburg, NC to Janice and Clifton Hawkins.


Otis, known as "Hawk", was one of the earlier athletes to compete in 2 sports-football and basketball. He was an outstanding pass receiver, defensive end and place kicker, receiving ALL CIAA Second Team in 1957. He also provided invaluable minutes on the basketball team. "Hawk" received his B.S. Degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. He returned to his Alma Mater and earned a Master's Degree in Social Science in 1971. In 1972 he did further study at the University of Ghana, West Africa. Otis began his career as a teacher, athletic director and coach of football and basketball at Siler City, North Carolina and later had stints at Paisley, R.J. Reynolds, and West Forsyth high schools in Winston-Salem, teaching and coaching football and basketball.

In 1973-1975 "Hawk" was assistant professor and head basketball coach at Fayetteville State University. He later became an instructor, assistant football, and assistant basketball coach at Winston-Salem State University. He was given the L.D. McClennon Award for outstanding contributions to the community and in sports. In 1991, he won the A & T Homecoming Golf Tournament Championship Flight. "Hawk" retired from West Forsyth High School in 1989. After retirement he was inducted into the North Carolina A&T State University Hall of Fame in 1995 and the Winston-Salem State University Clarence "Big House" Gaines Athletic Hall of Fame for the 1977 CIAA Championship football team in 2013.


In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one son, Otis Hawkins Jr.; and three brothers.


He leaves to cherish his memory a loving wife, Willie Kay Mumford Hawkins; one devoted son, Reginald (Jeannie) of Kernersville, NC; one daughter who was the heart throb of his heart, Nzinga Hawkins of the home; one grandson; a great-granddaughter; two sisters; two brothers; five sisters-in-law; two brothers-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Saturday, August 8, 2015 at New Bethel Baptist Church, 1016 N. Trade St. W-S, NC 27101 with Reverend William L. Owens officiating. The family visitation will be held from 12noon until 1:00pm on Saturday at the Church.