Mr. Willie E. Watkins departed this transitory life for the one promised and prepared by Jesus Christ, the Savior on January 9, 2018 at his residence. Mr. Watkins was born on April 15, 1946 to the late Mr. & Mrs. Earmond (Alberta) Watkins in Mantee, Mississippi.

Willie accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Callahan Missionary Baptist Church, Woodland, Mississippi. He graduated from Oktibbeha - Webster High School in Maben, Mississippi. Willie enlisted into the U.S. Army for a tour of duty in Germany. He pursued a degree in Industrial Arts at Mississippi Valley State University, Itta Bena, Mississippi. Mr. Watkins worked for General Motors, The Dow Chemical Company, and as a welder while in California. He was also employed by Brandle Roofing Company, later operating his own roofing business until his health failed. Willie enjoyed working with numbers and shooting the breeze with family and friends. He always had everybody’s back. Willie will truly be missed by family and friends who loved him dearly.

He leaves to cherish his memories the love of his life for 37 years, Flora Robinson; three daughters, Taryn Watkins, Saginaw, Michigan, Sheriese (Lamark) Johnson, Southgate, Michigan and Siara Watkins, Bentonville, Arkansas; one son, Devin Watkins, Nashville, Tennessee; three grandchildren; six sisters, Mary (Ostranda) Lane, Audrey Watkins-Savage, Barbara (Donnie) Kilgore, all of Saginaw, Michigan, Ginger (Ezekiel) Barber, Schererville, Indiana, Ida Watkins-Brunty of Eupora, Mississippi, Marilyn (Bobby) McKie, Aurora, Colorado; four brothers, John (June) Watkins, Bakersfield, California, Billy (Gloria) Watkins, Gary, Indiana, Earvine (Charlie Ann) Watkins, Saginaw, Michigan, and Wayne Watkins, Eupora, Mississippi; 20 nieces and nephews; one very special nephew/godson, Matthew M. Savage II; 27 great-nieces and nephews; many cousins and friends.

Mr. Watkins was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Eric Coleman, and one sister, Sara Watkins.

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