MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2020 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Jackson (11th), Boyd, Chassaniol, Fillingane, Jackson (32nd), Simmons (13th)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REMEMBERING THE OUTSTANDING LAW ENFORCEMENT CAREER OF PANOLA COUNTY CONSTABLE RAYE HAWKINS WHO DIED IN THE LINE OF DUTY ON DECEMBER 12, 2019, AND EXTENDING THE PROFOUND SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE TO HIS SURVIVING FAMILY.
WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of Panola County Constable Raye Hawkins on December 12, 2019, in the line of duty while protecting the citizens of Batesville and Panola County, Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, Constable Eula Ray Hawkins was born January 30, 1961, in Batesville, Mississippi, to James Harold and Kathleen Smith Hawkins. Raye was a member of the Courtland United Methodist Church; and
WHEREAS, he had served the citizens of Batesville and Panola County for 30 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 death in the line of duty on December 12, 2019. Raye was 58; and
WHEREAS, in the early years of Raye's service as Constable, he continued to work for the Batesville Police Department and retired in 2000 as Lieutenant of Crime Prevention for the Batesville Police Department. When Raye was not performing his duties as Constable, he enjoyed hunting and fishing in his spare time; and
WHEREAS, the United States Honor Flag, which honors American heroes, will rest at the head of the casket during visitation and the funeral for Panola County Constable Raye Hawkins. The Honor Flag is a special flag with a rich history of American patriotism rooted in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks; and
WHEREAS, those who will carry on Raye's memory are: his son, Wesley Hawkins (Sarah) and daughter, Tiffany Benton (Daniel); sisters, Diane Hawkins Tutor (Ronnie) and Gail Hawkins Caine (Terry); and grandson, Landon Hawkins. Raye was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Patricia Hawkins Freeman, and brother, Donald Hawkins; and
WHEREAS, we can never repay our debt to law enforcement officers and their families, but we must do what we can, with all that we have, to live our lives in a way that pays tribute to their memory. We should not pause and remember to thank law enforcement officers only in the wake of tragedy, we should do it every day:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby remember the outstanding law enforcement career of Panola County Constable Eula Ray "Raye" Hawkins who died in the line of duty on December 12, 2019, and extending the profound sympathy of the Legislature to his surviving family.
Be it further resolved, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Constable Eula Ray "Raye" Hawkins, forwarded to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.