Hillsdale Businessman Donald Lee “Donnie” Hawkins and Grandson Ridge Hitt Reportedly Die

 Donald Lee “Donnie” Hawkins is being remembered in Hillsdale, Michigan, as a longtime automotive businessman, devoted father, and proud grandfather. Hawkins reportedly died on Friday, November 6, 2026, at 78, alongside his grandson, Ridge Hitt, whose reported death has deepened the grief felt by their family and community.

Born September 27, 1948, in Mt. Vernon, Indiana, Hawkins was the son of Raymond and Lillian (Mattingly) Hawkins. He graduated from North Adams High School in 1966, then began a professional journey spanning more than five decades in the automotive industry. His work became a defining part of his life, while the family business he established grew into an important part of his legacy. His story reflects a long commitment to the field and continued to shape his professional identity.

For Hawkins, a career in the automotive industry was more than a brief chapter. He devoted over 50 years to the work and established a family business connecting his professional efforts with the generations around him. The business became a significant part of what he leaves behind, representing years of dedication and the work of building something lasting. While details about its history and operations have not been provided, its place in his legacy is clear.

His identity, however, was not defined by business alone. Hawkins was also remembered as a father and grandfather who treasured his family and took pride in the generations that followed him. Time with loved ones held an important place in his life, and those relationships now form a central part of how relatives and friends are remembering him. For family members, the loss means facing the absence of someone whose place in their lives extended well beyond his professional accomplishments.

Outside his work and family responsibilities, Hawkins enjoyed outdoor activities. That interest offered another dimension to the life remembered by those who knew him, alongside his years in the automotive industry and his commitment to family. The information shared about him does not identify particular hobbies or describe specific outings, but it does indicate that being outdoors was among the things he enjoyed. Those simple personal details can become especially meaningful as loved ones look back on the person behind the public and professional milestones.

The reported death of Hawkins and his grandson Ridge Hitt in the same incident has brought an especially painful loss to those connected to both of them. The loss of two family members from different generations can leave relatives facing grief on several levels at once. Details about the incident have not been provided here, so its circumstances should not be assumed. What is clear from the announcement is that the family and wider Hillsdale community are mourning both lives and confronting a difficult period together.

As relatives, friends, and community members remember Hawkins, his life can be reflected through the different parts that mattered to him: his Indiana roots, education, decades of automotive work, the family business he established, and the loved ones he treasured. Each part offers a glimpse of a life shaped by work, family, and personal interests. His grandson Ridge is also being mourned, and those grieving are carrying the weight of both losses. Memories shared by those closest to them will remain important as the family moves through the days ahead.

Heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Donald Lee “Donnie” Hawkins and Ridge Hitt, and to everyone in Hillsdale affected by their reported deaths. May those grieving find strength in one another and comfort in the memories they hold. Donnie’s life and legacy will be remembered by those whose lives he touched.