Michael Liu Hawkins

Micheal Liu Hawkins passed away May 4, 2026, after a brief but severe illness, complicated by a history of kidney and heart disease.

The son of James and June Re (Wong) Hawkins, Michael was born in Taipei and spent his childhood in Taiwan. After moving to the United States as a young teen, Mike was a true testament to the American dream. Following his teenage years in the United States, Mike graduated with his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Dayton. He served in the U.S. Army for 13 years, leaving the service as a Major. He went on to have a very successful career in the plastics industry.

Along with Lisa Black, Mike raised two wonderful children, Whitney (Adam Rogier) and Jacob (Rebecca) Hawkins. They developed close friends in Dayton, Ohio and St. Louis, Missouri, before settling their family in Buffalo, New York, which Mike regarded as one of the greatest parts of his life. After moving to Hilton Head, South Carolina, Michael formed strong friendships that lifted his spirits and sense of adventure during the later years of his life.

He was blessed with the gift of a second chance at life in September 2024 through a direct kidney transplant. This gift gave him the opportunity to welcome his first two grandchildren in 2025. His grandchildren, Oliver Rogier and Maelyn Hawkins, were one of his greatest joys, followed by his passion for good food, cars, and a deep love for dogs. He was an undeniable presence and will be deeply missed.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his soulmate, Lisa; his children Jacob and Whitney; his daughter- and son-in-law and his grandchildren, as well as his sisters, Mary Chizmar and Patricia Hatcher, and his many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his beloved cockapoo, Autumn.

Visitation for Mike will be from 2:30-3:00pm at The Island Funeral Home and Crematory on Friday, May 8, 2026, with a memorial service beginning at 3:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First Presbyterian Church or the Hilton Head Island Humane Society in memory of Mike Hawkins.