Michael Dawkins

Michael Dawkins, 51, of Brooksville, MS passed away Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at Noxubee General Hospital in Macon, MS. A funeral service is planned for Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at Kemper Academy Gymnasium, 149 Walnut Avenue, Dekalb, MS 39328. Bro. Chris Gully will be officiating the service. Visitation will be held prior to the service at the gymnasium from 1- 3 p.m. Interment will be in Soule Chapel Cemetery near Macon, MS. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the Gary Sinese Foundation, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516. Cockrell Funeral Home is honored to be in charge of the services. 

Michael was born in Macon at Noxubee General Hospital on April 24, 1973, to Sarah Williams ( Dawkins) Temkovits and the late Meredith Preston Dawkins Jr. He grew up in Brooksville and graduated from Central Academy in Macon in the Class of 1991. Michael joined the U.S. Army Reserve in his Junior year of high school and completed his basic training that same year. He graduated from the Advanced Infantry Training course after his Senior year in high school. Michael went on to study at Mississippi State University and graduated with a BA in Industrial Technology in 1998. Later that year he married the love of his life and forever soulmate, Cynthia Delmas, on April the 25th and they made their home in Brooksville. Michael was a life-long learner and continued his education at MSU. While continuing to work at MSU, he received his master’s degree in Instructional Technology and his MBA in Business Administration. After graduation, Michael began working for the university as a Network Video Specialist. He later worked as a Network Video Engineer II at ENRON near Houston, TX for two years. After moving back to Mississippi, he began working again for Mississippi State as an Information Specialist Manager at MSU’s Meridian Campus and subsequently as the Information System Director at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Starkville, a position he held until his passing.

Michael was always very proud of his family and did all that he could to help them and their friends become the very best that they could be. He volunteer-coached his children through all types of athletics including baseball, football, and basketball in summer league and at Central Academy, til it closed and then at Kemper Academy in DeKalb until his children had all graduated. He was an enthusiastic “Cheerleader Dad” to his daughter Peyton when she played softball and basketball at Kemper Academy. After his youngest son, Nick, had graduated from Kemper Academy, Michael continued to volunteer coach there until his passing.

Michael was a true Mississippi sportsman. Not only did he support and attend MSU sporting events, but he also loved to hunt and fish whenever he could. He enjoyed traveling and being around his family and friends and always enjoyed making people laugh as he was a wonderful storyteller. Michael never met a stranger and if he did, that person did not remain a stranger for long. He was always willing to listen to people and to give advice, sometimes even when it was not wanted. Michael was a selfless person to his family, his friends, and his players. He was his family’s and his player’s “Number 1” supporter and always wanted everyone, most especially his children and his players, to do their best and to follow their dreams. He always felt that his identity was his family, the kids he coached and making people laugh. Michael always made the comment that “as long as you have family and faith, you have all that you need”. He loved animals and he loved all types of music, all genres and styles and he loved to dance, but he just could NOT dance (according to ALL of his family). He was also known to be a “Human Google”, as he could answer almost any query asked of him. Michael was crowned a “King” of the Macon Junior Auxiliary Charity Ball and he was separately awarded their prestigious “President’s Award”. Michael will be deeply missed by anyone who ever knew him. His loss tears asunder the hearts of all of his family, classmates, friends and players. 

Michael will be sorely missed by his mother, Sarah W. Temkovits, wife, Cynthia Dawkins, a daughter, Peyton Dawkins ( fiancé Jack Wiggins), his three sons; William Dawkins (Jasmine), Preston Dawkins & Nick Dawkins, two sisters, Shirley “Cookie” Oliver (Ted) and Sheila Morgan (Steve); brother, Pres Dawkins (Pam) and one granddaughter, Bella who lovingly called him “Big CaCa”; also a host of nieces and nephews, and a multitude of friends.