Matt Hawkins

Family-Placed Death Notice

HAWKINS, Matt Matt Hawkins, one of the brightest young stars of the short track world, has passed away at the age of 21. Hawkins lost his life after an incident involving an accidental gun discharge Friday night in Georgia. On the track, Hawkins had built up an amazing resume. He won in his first career starts in both the ARCA REMAX Series and USAR Pro Cup Series - a seemingly - impossible accomplishment that may never be matched. He also won numerous Pro Late Model races in the Southeast and finished in the top three of the Snowball Derby for the last two seasons. Off the track, Hawkins was known for being an especially kind, polite and personable young man. He might have seemed quiet at first glance, but Matt was one of those people who you couldn't help but to become quick friends with. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 16, 2009, from the Chapel of South Canton Funeral Home with Rev. Terry Caylor and Rev. Jim Evans officiating. Interment will follow in Cherokee Memorial Park. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Alfred Hawkins. Survivors include his parents, Fred & Cindy Hawkins, Jasper; sister & brother-in-law, Melissa & Nick Roper, Ball Ground; devoted girl friend, Liz Johnson, White; grandparents, Tommy & Anne Weaver, Canton, and Margaret Hawkins, Canton; great grandmother, Marie Anderson, Canton; aunt & uncle, Debra & Stacey Williams, Canton; cousins, Blake Bishop & Torie Williams. The family will receive friends today from 12:00 until 9:00 p.m. and until the funeral hour on Monday. South Canton Funeral Home & Chapel, Canton, GA in charge of arrangements (770) 479-3377.