Ralph Warring Hawkins, 69, of Fenwick Island, died Thursday, Sept. 9, 2004 at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin, Md.
A native of Washington, D.C., Mr. Hawkins was a high school graduate of St. John's and played quarterback, running back and defensive back at the University of Maryland, where he earned his bachelor of science in physical education.
He was a successful college coach before moving to the NFL. He served as defensive coordinator/defensive backs coach at Cincinnati, and coached defensive backs at both Army and Kentucky.
Hawkins began his NFL coaching career from 1969-71 in Buffalo; from 1972-77 Hawkins was with the Washington Redskins under George Allen. After spending the 1978 season with the Colts, he joined the New York Giants from 1979-81 as defensive coordinator. For the next eight years he served under Chuck Knox with both the Bills and Seattle before moving to the New York Jets for the 1989 season.
Following a very highly respected coaching career, Mr. Hawkins moved into college scouting with the Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans.
He was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in July of 2003.
Survivors include his wife of 37 years, the former Carol Hench; his children, Mary Kathleen, Kristin Oster and son-in-law Dan, Karianne, and Andrew; four grandchildren, Michael, Cady, Christopher, and Ashley.
A memorial mass was offered at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Bethany Beach.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Gull House Adult Day Care, 38149 Terrace Road, Rehoboth Beach, DE. 19971.