Shad, lovingly known as "Rat" to close family, a nickname given by his grandfather, was a quiet, easygoing soul whose presence spoke volumes without needing many words. He was a deep thinker with a tender heart, someone who valued genuine connections over surface-level relationships.

Shad believed in authenticity and lived by loyalty; if he told you he loved you, he meant it fully and sincerely.
Born to DeLisa Holt Anderson, Yahan Anderson, and Ray Hawkins Jr., Shad was a proud 2007 graduate of Central Davidson High School. He continued his education at Forsyth Technical Community College and Davidson County Community College. He was a devoted UNC Chapel Hill Tar Heels fan, he enjoyed following the game and keeping up with the stats from a very young age.

Shad's love for his family ran deep. He adored his grandmother, mother, aunt, and especially his little sister, YaLeia Rashae, whom he constantly prayed for and fiercely protected. He carried that same quiet devotion into all his relationships, including the special connection he shared with his significant other, Morgan Spaugh, and her daughter, Nevaeh. His beloved Frenchie, Smoky, was also a special part of his world.

He accepted Christ and was a member of Lexington Christian Fellowship Church. As a deep thinker, Shad often reflected on what he read in the Bible and loved to dissect the Word in order to gain a deeper understanding.

On May 14, Shad's heart beat one final time as he entered eternal rest. While his passing leaves a profound void, there is comfort in imagining his reunion with his grandfather, Roy Holt, who helped raise, guide, and love him deeply.

He leaves behind cherished memories with his mother, DeLisa Holt Anderson, and Yahan Anderson; his father, Ray Hawkins Jr.; his beloved sister, YaLeia Rashae; and his paternal siblings. He is also lovingly remembered by his grandmother Patricia "Granny Ma" Holt; Stephen Anderson and DeLinda Anderson; and the late Ray Hawkins Sr. and Roberta Hawkins.

Shad's memory also lives on through his Godmother, Donetta Roberts; his Godbrothers, Brandon Craven and Rashaad Bariett; his Godsister, Maurisa Holt; his loving aunts and uncles Pamela Eason (Jerome), Marcus Holt, Rory Holt (Kathy), Kim Bratton (Tyress), and Alisha Hawkins; along with a host of close family members and friends who will forever remember his quiet strength, and genuine love he brought into the lives of those who truly knew him.