Gospel singer/pastor Walter Hawkins passed away at his home in Ripon, California on Sunday (July 11) after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 61 years old.

Edwin Hawkins said, “Today, I lost my brother, my pastor, and my best friend. Bishop Hawkins suffered bravely but now he will suffer no more and he will be greatly missed.”

Walter recorded his debut album, “Do Your Best”, while he was studying at the University of California back in 1972. He won a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance for “The Lord’s Prayer” compilation in 1981 and his 1990 album, “Love Alive III”, was on top of the Billboard gospel album sales chart for more than 34 weeks.

Walter Hawkins was inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame three years ago in 2007. Walter is survived by two children and two grandchildren. R.I.P. Walter Hawkins.

[image: Carrie Devorah/wenn.com]