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A Celebration of LifeA Celebration of LifeRAYMOND E.RAYMOND E.HAWKINSHAWKINSWake: 10:00 AM Homegoing Service: 11:00 AMTuesday, August 25, 2026Victory Christian International Ministries 10 Hemlock Street, Park Forest, IL 60466 Apostle Carl L. White, Jr., Founder & Senior Pastor
Raymond E. Hawkins was born January 23, 1949 in Greenville, MS, to the parents of Willie and Hattie (Butler) Hawkins. His early education in Greenville began at Lucy L Webb Elementary School. Raymond accepted Christ at an early age, while attending The New White Stone Missionary Baptist Church. He also attended Coleman High School in Greenville, Ms. He moved to Oakland California to continue his education and graduated from McClymonds High School ("Mack") in 1967. After graduation Raymond moved to Chicago to live with his mother and stepfather Louis Jackson for a brief time before beginning work at Corn Products in Bedford Park, IL, then continuing to be gainfully employed for a short period of time at Ford Motor Company in East Chicago Heights, IL Raymond's launch in radio began as a part time DJ at a local tavern in East Chicago Heights, then landing a sales position at WMPP which stood for "Working More for People's Progress". Raymond continued to pursue his career by securing a sale's position for 17 years with Johnson Publishing Company's WJPC 950 AM formerly WGRT and establishing a business relationship with his mentor, Mr. John H. Johnson. The entrepreneurial seed was planted as the groundwork for over five decades of dedication, fortitude and focus for building a legacy from humble beginnings For more than 38 of those years, Hawkins served as the owner and operator of WWHN Radio, helping shape the station into a trusted voice throughout the greater Chicago area. His passion for broadcasting, commitment to serving listeners, and dedication to community-focused programming made WWHN a respected fixture in regional radio. A Life Well Broadcast Forever on the Air A Life Well Broadcast Forever on the Air raymond E. hawkins January 23, 1949 — August 18, 2026
In addition to leading WWHN, Hawkins was the founder and owner of Hawkins Broadcasting Company and Hawkins Communications Company, NFP — a rare and historic achievement in an industry where media ownership has long been reserved for pioneers, risktakers, and people with extraordinary vision. Ray wasn’t just “in radio.” He was a media owner, a community voice, and a communications trailblazer. Within the African American community, where access to media ownership has been limited. His accomplishments stand as a powerful legacy of determination, innovation, and cultural impact. Known throughout the industry for his professionalism, leadership, and business acumen, he cultivated lasting relationships with colleagues, advertisers, and community partners. Throughout his distinguished career, Hawkins championed the power of radio to inform, inspire, and connect communities. His legacy extends beyond the broadcasting industry through the countless lives he touched as a mentor, businessman, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. “Ray”, a longtime radio executive, entrepreneur, and respected community leader, passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at the age of 77… He was proceeded in death by his parents, two sisters Hattie Louise Hawkins, Dorothy Mae Hawkins, four brothers Harry Chapman, Willie Hawkins, Jr. Jesse Hawkins, and Earl Hawkins. Ray leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife and business partner of 38 years, Tornelia Hawkins; three daughters, LaTyona (Lorenzo) Mitchell, Betty (Charles) Smith, and Ramona Williams; six grandchildren Matthew (Janina) Brow, Jr, Lorenzo Mitchell, Jr. Jazzmin Brow, Leonard Mitchell, Lauren Smith, and Charles Smith, II; four great grandchildren Laureyn Brow, Melody Driver, Layla Brow, and Imani Lenox; two brothers, John H. Hawkins (Lois) of Greenville, Mississippi, and Charles A. Hawkins of Chicago, Illinois; along with a host of nieces, nephews, friends, business associates, and members of the broadcasting community.
Invocation …………………………….........................………….......…………... Dr. Sammy Davis SCRIPTURE · Old Testament………………………………………...............…….. Minister John Beard · New Testament…………………………………….……….Minister Larry Crawford Musical SELECTION ………………………....……….......……………Voices of Victory ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS and Resolutions REFLECTIONS……………………………………....................…………………… Two (2) Minutes · Family…………………….………….....................................…………………………. · Community …………………….................................…………………………. · Friends/Collegues …..................................…………………………… Musical SELECTION ……………........………….…….…………………Voices of Victory OBITUARY……...……….......…………........................................................................……...……………………… MUSICAL SELECTION….......………………………………...... Ms. Robin Covington "In The Garden" EULOGY Apostle Carl L. White, Jr., Senior Pastor Victory Christian International Ministries BENEDICTION…………………………….......................................…………………………………………………. RECESSIONAL…………………………………….......................................…….………………………................ Order of ServiceOrder of Service
Tribute from daughter ,LaTonya Raymona Mitchell I would like to thank you father for teaching me wisdom strength and determination. Your love and words of encouragement continue to help navigate me through life. I love you Dad, "Tooney Booney" Tribute from daughter ,Betty Nicole Smith Past Tense: Me: "I love OOH"" (when I couldn't say "You" as a child) Poppa Bear: "I love you more" Future State: Never to be heard again :( Tribute from Daughter ,Ramona Spring Williams Daddy, It hurts so much to know that i will never hear your voice again. You meant so much to me, and there are no words that could ever truly express how much I love you or how deeply I will miss you. As my father, you were my rock, my guide, my hero, yu biggest supporter, my protector, my teacher, and my first love. You were the person I could always look to for strength, wisdom, encouragement and love. Knowing that you are no longer here physically leaves a space in my heart that can never be filled But your voice will forever live inside of me. I will carry your words, your lessons, and your love with me everywhere I go. One of the phrases I will always remember hearing you say is "You're a Hawkins, full-blooded. To me, those words mean so much more than just being a Hawkins. They mean: Remember who you are; know your worth; believe in your potential; stand strong, walk with confidence, and go out into the world and do all that God has called you to do. Daddy, I promise to carry those words with me for the rest of my life. When I face difficult days, I will hear your voice reminding me who I am. When I doubt myself, I will remember your belief in me. And when I accomplish something, I will know that a part of you is celebrating with me. I love you, Daddy More than words can ever express. I will miss your voice, your presence, your guidance, and your love every single day. Although my heart is broken because you are gone, I am grateful for every moment, every lesson, every laugh and every memory you gave me Thank you for being my father. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for believing in me. And most of all, thank you for being my Daddy Untill we meet again, Your Baby Girl, Miss AnneTributesTributes
Forever and A Day Thank you for sharing your life with me, as you came into my life you saved mine. The life you shared with me was none to compare. My life changed for the good. Your children became, my children, I think of the times, where you were patient, stern, determined, and forthright with me as we carried out your vision for our legacy. You had a vision, that went well beyond what we could see, but you trusted God through the process. Through setbacks you were able to hold your head up and wipe my tears from being overwhelming. You told me when you brought me to Chicago, that you were going to have to "toughen me up"/ I think I did"Aight". I was very proud of you for never giving up no matter the challenge. I will miss you on this side of Heaven, until we meet again. Take your rest...., I'll see you in the Morning. I love you and I think you're greatTribute from Tornelia
AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements We sincerely appreciate and acknowledge the many prayers, cards, phone calls, visits and other acts of kindness shown during this difficult time. Your acts of kindness; expressions of love and support are appreciated more than you could ever know. The Family of Raymond E. HawkinsPallbearers Deacons and Ministers Victory Christian International Ministries Honorary Pallbearers Charles A. Smith Lorenzo D. Mitchell, Sr. Matthew J. Brow, Jr. Lorenzo R. Mitchell, II Leonard D. Mitchell Charles B. SmithFlower Bearers Victory Christian International Ministries Hospitality Services Entrusted to Gatling's Chapel 10133 South Halsted Street, Chicago, Illinois 60628 Telephone: 773.881-4111 Website: Gatling's Chapel