Leslie V. Hawkins was born on September 12, 1930, in Mexia, Texas, the fifth of eight children born to Lacy Hawkins, Sr. and Rozena Vermella Long Hawkins. The Lord called him home while surrounded by his family on January 15, 2022.

Leslie graduated from Dunbar High School and later attended Wylie College. He accepted Christ early in his life and was baptized at New Home Baptist Church in Mexia, Texas. While enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, Leslie served as a member of the military police. He served during the Korean War and received the National Defense ribbon and Rifle Marksman badge. He was honorably discharged upon completion of his service. When Leslie returned to civilian life, he worked at The Contemporary House where he developed the skill of restoring and refurbishing furniture.  Always generous with his loved ones, Leslie artfully restored high end pieces for them, much to their delight.  Leslie later joined Arco Air and retired from Schneider General.

Sports were Leslie's greatest passion. He coached several little league teams, including the Oak Cliff Pigeons basketball team as well as the Oak Cliff Pigeons, Panthers and Cowboys football teams. His teams always knew they had a warm meal and a ride if they needed one from Coach Hawkins. He also enjoyed supporting his children and grandchildren in their own athletic endeavors. Leslie loved to break and train horses with his brothers. He often spoke fondly of their time spent riding and taming horses. Leslie shared this love for horses with his children and grandchildren.

Leslie was an avid reader who often finished a book within a day or two. He loved to play dominos with his friends and family, especially his grandchildren. Leslie lovingly bestowed unique nicknames upon those closest to him. He had the ability to cause others to dissolve into laughter with his quick wit and clever quips. Leslie loved his family dearly and did not shy away from telling and showing them how happy he was to speak or spend time with them. He never hesitated to offer his loved ones a place to call home whenever they needed somewhere to stay.

Leslie is preceded in death by his son, Billy; parents, Lacy Sr. and Rozena; sisters, Ivra and Barbara; and brothers, Robert, Sylvester, and Lee Alfred.  Leslie's memory will be cherished by daughters, Jacquelyn and Andrea; sons, Dru and Willie; great-niece, who was like a daughter to him, Glenda; grandchildren, Goody Shannon, Tiffany, Tia, Ashley, Nichole, Michael, Jasmine, Patricia, Tony, Adam, Willie, Dylan, Dawson and Dru Kennedy as well as thirteen great-grandchildren. His loving younger brothers, Lacy Jr. and Clyde and a host of nieces and nephews survive him.