Al Muta Muhammad Shabazz Hawks, 45, of Sarasota, FL, affectionately known as Muta, was called home to his final resting place on October 24, 2022. He was born in Manhattan, New York on March 2, 1977, to the late Melodie Bynum and Muta Muhammad Shabazz. Homegoing Services will be held 1:30 PM, Saturday, November 5, 2022, at Faith Presbyterian Church, 1201 N Beneva Road. Visitation will be held 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Friday, October 4, 2022, at Chandler’s Funeral Home. The interment will be private.
Muta was the oldest of five brothers and one sister. His early years were spent between Manhattan, New York, and Hackensack, New Jersey. As a child, Muta lived with a total of up to 16 family members at one time. This humble start initiated his love for family and giving spirit. Muta, had a special place in his heart for his uncle Herbie, Aunt Prudy, brothers, and cousins as they were a tight-knit family.
It was in the early 1990s that Muta and his family relocated to his beloved city of Sarasota, Florida. It was in Sarasota that he made a name for himself, spreading love throughout the community. Muta’s niche was automobiles. From car customization to towing, he was often seen in the city wearing the Kustom Auto Towing & Recovery brand. Muta enjoyed fatherhood. His proudest moments were being a father. He enjoyed bonding with his sons, Little Muta, TyShawn, Mu’Tazz, and his newest gift, A’najah. His unconditional love for his children will always remain sacred.
Muta was a born leader and teacher! As a child, he took charge to ensure his family would never do without. His jovial laugh could often be heard while he told stories of his survival, protective, and God-given entrepreneurial skill sets. We will surely miss his daily inspirational devotions, morning texts, and reminders of God’s grace and how much he loved us all. We are all thankful for him blessing us with such a beautiful loving soul. The love we have for Muta will forever be embedded in our hearts.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Melodie Bynum, his brother, Najee Bynum, maternal grandfather, Daniel Beard; maternal grandmother, Florence Chapman; paternal grandfather, Wilbur Hawks; paternal grandmother, Ola Hawks; Uncle, Herbert Hamlin; and his cousin, Brandi Nylee Walker.
Muta leaves an abundance of precious memories with his three sons, Al Muta Hawks of Sarasota, FL, Mu’Tazz Hawks of Sarasota, FL, bonus son, TyShawn Campbell of Sarasota, FL, and his daughter A’najah Melodie Hawks of Sarasota, FL; his father, Muta Mohammad Shabazz of New York and step-father, Rufus Bynum, Houston, TX; brothers, Shariff Thomas (Tatra) of Apopka FL; Delaney Johnson (Rebekka) of Orlando, FL; Khalil Bynum of North Port, FL; Edward “ Jay” Johnson of Sarasota, FL, and sister, Sharandra Mutah Shabazz of New York; Aunts, Eulah Hamlin of Orlando, FL; grandson, Messiah Hawks, Sarasota, FL; and a host of great aunts, great uncles, relatives, and friends.