Charles Edward Hawkins, Jr., “Ed,” age 56, of Roanoke, died Thursday, August 17, 2023, at Roanoke Carilion Hospital, following a three-year battle with cancer.

Ed was born October 5, 1966, in Rockingham, NC, and was preceded in death by his father, the late Charles Edward Hawkins, Sr.

For over 37 years, Ed was a project manager for Creative Nursery and Landscapes. Ed graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Building Construction.

Surviving are his mother, Diana Cockman Hawkins of Roanoke; a sister, Heather Hawkins Terrell and her husband Kevin of Covington; and a niece, Daley LeGrand Terrell of Morgantown, WV.

Ed and Heather grew up in Parklin Heights, a neighborhood in Covington where children played outside all day long and made lifelong friends. Ed either played or followed sports his entire life. He was a member of the 1984 Covington High School Group A State Championship football team and enjoyed mountain climbing, bowling, and bass fishing. Fall was for tailgating, playing corn hole, and cheering on the Hokies with his friends. Ed was a devoted son and the best brother a sister could have. Ed had a huge circle of friends whom he cared deeply about. He loved spending time with friends and family–eating, socializing, and having good conversations.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at 6:00 PM in the chapel of Arritt Funeral Home with the Rev. Lisa Marshall officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Ed Hawkins Virginia Tech Scholarship. Checks must be made payable to Alleghany High School. For more information, contact the AHS Counseling Office.

Arritt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Friends wishing to send tributes online may do so at arrittfuneralhome.com