Ryan Allen Hawkins

AUGUSTA – Ryan Allen Hawkins, 43, died unexpectedly Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, at Maine Medical Center in Portland following a motor vehicle accident.

He was born in Augusta on April 9, 1982, the son of Gary Robert and Railynn (Smith) Hawkins. He grew up in Augusta, attending St. Mary’s School through junior high, later graduating from Cony High School in 2000. Following high school, Ryan worked a number of jobs and for a time lived with friends in Harrisburg, Pa. as he set out on life.

Ryan often worked as a cook and was once a favorite driver in the Augusta area. He always had greater ambitions and an entrepreneurial spirit, however. In grade school, he took advantage of the “Warheads” brand candy craze, selling individually-wrapped confections to his classmates before his business model was undermined by the principal.

One of Ryan’s favorite pastimes was holiday celebrations. In particular, he loved Halloween. One year, sometime around 1991, he was so excited for the big day that he dressed in full vampire makeup, false fangs with blood, and the requisite cape unprompted. Unfortunately, it was Oct. 30. In subsequent years, however, he was known for dressing up to take friends’ and cousins’ children trick-or-treating on the correct day. He always made it a special for everyone.

Ryan rarely had savings, but he always managed to obtain gifts for birthdays, Christmas, and other special days for friends and families. He never seemed to be out of options, but if push came to shove, he would have flowers for you that he managed to collect along his travels without incurring the wrath of too many gardeners.

In 2017, Ryan met the love of his life, Justin Gray of Massachusetts. They lived in the Kennebec County area during their time together, recently settling in Gardiner. Through the ups-and-downs of life, they had a bedrock of love that kept them afloat and provided the backbone of the life they built together.

One of Ryan’s wishes in life was to be an organ donor in death. That wish was realized after his passing. His left kidney went to a man in his 40s; his right kidney went to another man in his 40s; his liver went to a man in his 30s; and his heart went to a man in his 50s. Ryan would tell you he might prefer to still be using these organs given a choice, but he would also be pleased to know he had contributed to decades of more life for others.

In addition to his partner of eight years, Ryan is survived by his mother, Railynn Hawkins of Augusta; his brother, Michael and his wife Jocelyn of Gardiner and their children Theo, Kael, and Konnor; his uncle Bobby of Augusta and aunt Susanne of Baltimore, Md. and their sons Tyler and Todd; his grand-uncle Dick and grand-aunt Marion, former long-time residents of Augusta; his uncle Ricky and aunt Marilyn of Pittston; his first-cousins Melissa Ryder of Augusta, Sarah Smith of Pittston, and Stacey Brann of Windsor; many cousins to whom he was like an uncle; and many, many friends.

Ryan was predeceased by his father, Gary Hawkins of Augusta; his grandparents Robert and Arline Hawkins of Augusta; and his grandmother, and great-grandmother Rena Smith and Zylpha Rockwell, respectively, both of Gardiner.

Visiting time will be 1 to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1 at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. A celebration of life will follow from 2 to 4 p.m. at Mill Park in Augusta.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.