Mr. Eric De-Arnold Hawkins

UTICA/KILLEEN, TX - Mr. Eric De-Arnold Hawkins, age 51, left this world unexpectedly on Sunday, August 4, 2019 and returned to the Lord. Born in Utica on August 30, 1967, Eric was the son of Ezel and Elder Mary (Price) Hawkins. Raised and educated locally, he attended John F. Kennedy High School. In more recent years, he continued his education and earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Eric was a good-natured, jovial man, full of life. He was the eternal jokester who always had you laughing. Because he loved people, he made friends easily and shared his conversation and company with so many. Eric was a self-taught, talented musician from childhood. His calling in life was composing music, singing, and playing the keyboard. The genre he performed was always Gospel music and he composed several of his own hymns. These musical gifts embraced his life and brought him closer to God. He lived in Georgia and most recently in Texas, but wherever he lived, he sought out a faith community that embraced his musical talents and held the position of choir and musical director. Eric was also a radio personality known as King Judah on Black Satin Radio where he had a tremendous following. His tender side was seen in his love poems, many of which were published and entitled Living My Dream. Family was important to Eric. His children were his priority in life, no matter where he resided. He loved his parents, siblings, and children, and he was a beloved grandpa. He enjoyed cooking and sweet potato pie was his favorite. Video games were one of his leisure activities, and he loved dogs, especially his great companion and well-behaved pit bull named Chief. Eric was raised as a member of the House of God Church Keith Dominion and later attended St. James Church in New York Mills, prior to his current parishes in Texas. His faith was strong, and as an adult, his life revolved around the church. He put his life into the hands of the Lord where he knew he would find salvation in heaven. Eric is survived by his parents, Ezel and Elder Mary, his fiancée, Arielle Chemise Glynn; his daughters and their loves, Krystal and Brian Saxe, and Shannon and “Lee” Ferguson; his infant son, Eric De-Arnold Hawkins, Jr.; grandchildren, Mariah, Brian Jr., Ava, Kenna, Adryana; Aalanah, Harmoniee, Nehemiah, and Micah; and siblings, Henrietta Troutman, Isaac G. Moody Jr., Willie J. and Valarie Dexter, and Rozena Hawkins. He was preceded by his brothers, Ezel “Poncho” Moody, and David E. Moody. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles, godparents, Wilford and Mary Hunt, and members of Arielle’s family; longtime friend Sean Dawkins, and many beloved friends in Utica and Texas. He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Jerome and Viola Price; paternal grandparents, Odell and Mary Hawkins; and his aunt, Earsel L. (Hawkins) DeShazer. The family extends their sincere thanks to the First Responders for their efforts during Eric’s untimely passing; Pastors Janice and Ron Wallington of the Word of Knowledge Ministries in Texas and the congregation for their spiritual guidance and prayers; his Utica family, especially his mother’s wonderful friend, Gen. Elder Elaine Blue and the House of God Keith Dominion parishioners for their unending love and support. Visitation will be held Saturday, August 17th from 10:00-12:00 noon at the House of God Church Keith Dominion, 1304 Genesee Street in Utica. Eric’s Home Going and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday at 12:00 noon at the Church upon conclusion of visitation. Interment will take place in New Forest Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Eric De-Arnold Hawkins

August 30, 1967 - August 4, 2019