TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE UPON THE UNTIMELY PASSING OF ELLIS FITZGERALD HAWKINS, II AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate were deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Ellis Fitzgerald Hawkins, II on March 30, 2017 at the age of sixteen; and
Whereas, Ellis was born on May 3, 2000 in Columbia, South Carolina to Ellis Fitzgerald Hawkins, Sr. and Lisa Quince Hawkins. He had attended Muller Road Middle School and was an eleventh grade student at Westwood High School in Blythewood, South Carolina; and
Whereas, Ellis was an avid lover of sports and began playing tackle football at the age of six with the Pop Warner Ravens. He also played youth league baseball, earning a spot on the all-star team two of his three years participating. In middle school, he continued competitive football and basketball and became a member of the Westwood varsity golf team while only an eighth grader. In high school, Ellis was a lettered athlete in three sports. He moved from the junior varsity to varsity football team during his sophomore year and continued varsity as a starting defensive end. After the close of the 2016 football season, Ellis became a member of the varsity basketball team, finishing the season in February 2017; and
Whereas, Ellis' love of music, namely percussion, also began early in life. Around the age of three, Ellis would visit his grandparents and "drum" on a metal popcorn tin with two pencils for hours at a time. Ellis was a drummer for the youth choir at Greenview First Baptist Church, the R.A Brown Discovery choir, all of his church's musical choirs, and the Muller Road Middle School band; and
Whereas, Ellis was gifted in many areas. His talent as a sketch artist was discovered in his early high school years when, during an art class, he chose and sketched a portrait of the African-American social reformer Frederick Douglass. The portrait was chosen and displayed in one of the showcases at Westwood High School and later in a student art show at Brookland Baptist Church; and
Whereas, Ellis' relationship with Christ was evident throughout his life. Ellis was baptized on May 12, 2013 and was a devoted member of Greenview First Baptist Church in the Greenview Community of Columbia, South Carolina. His love for Christ was evident not only on that day, but also on every other, in the way that he lived and cared for others. This love showed in all aspects of his life, as the residents of The View community knew him as a good neighbor, and his teammates and classmates knew him as a fantastic friend. He was a loving son, brother, grandson, and cousin; and
Whereas, Ellis leaves to cherish his memory his parents Ellis and Lisa Hawkins; sisters Maressa and Elexis; paternal grandparents James and Odessa Hawkins; maternal grandmother Mary L. Quince; great aunt Lillie R. Edwards; uncles Del (Cynthia) Hawkins and Geno (Bridgit) Hawkins; and aunts Felicia H. Daniels, Cecilia 'Drella' Hawkins, Joyce (James) Washington, Lynda (Mardi) Washington, and Janice (Maurice) Jackson. Ellis also leaves a host of cousins, great uncles, aunts, loving friends, and neighbors. He will be missed. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, express the profound sorrow of the members of the South Carolina Senate upon the passing of Ellis Fitzgerald Hawkins, II and extend their deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Ellis Fitzgerald Hawkins, Sr. and Lisa Quince Hawkins.