Raye Hawkins

Raye Hawkins, age 58, passed away Thursday afternoon, December 12, 2019, in the line of duty while protecting the citizens of Batesville and Panola County.

Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at the First Baptist Church in Batesville, MS with interment to follow at Antioch Cemetery near Courtland, MS. The family will be receiving the public Tuesday evening, December 17, 2019, from 5:00 - 9:00 P.M. at the First Baptist Church in Batesville, MS.

Raye was born January 30, 1961 in Batesville, MS to the late James Harold and Kathleen Smith Hawkins. Raye was a member of the Courtland United Methodist Church. He had served the citizens of Batesville and Panola County for nearly thirty years. Raye began his law enforcement career with the City of Batesville as a police officer and graduated from the Jackson Police Academy and Service Training. He then was elected District Two Constable of Panola County in 1998 and served in this capacity until his untimely accident Thursday afternoon. In the early years of Raye's service as Constable, he continued to work for the Batesville Police Department and finally retired in 2000 as Lieutenant of Crime Prevention for the police department. When Raye wasn't performing his duties as Constable, he enjoyed hunting and fishing in his spare time.

Those that will continue to carry on Raye's memory are his son, Wesley Hawkins (Sarah) of Batesville, MS; daughter, Tiffany Benton (Daniel) of Jackson, MS; two sisters, Diane Hawkins Tutor (Ronnie) of Batesville, MS, Gail Hawkins Caine (Terry) of Batesville, MS; grandson, Landon Hawkins.

Along with his parents, Raye was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Hawkins Freeman and a brother, Donald Hawkins.

In leiu of flowers, the family would appreciation memorial donation be sent to the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund or they may be mailed to 901 E. Street NW, Suite 100, Washington, DC 20004-2025.