Bobby Wayne Watkins

July 20, 2022

Bobby Wayne Watkins, 89, of DeWitt died July 15, 2022. He was born August 4, 1932, near Van, AR, to Rihard (Dick) and Lena Mae Watkins.

Bobby retired after 24 years of service to the U.S. Navy as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. He made it very clear that he thought every young man should do a tour in one of the military services. During his time in the Navy, Bobby toured aboard a number of A/C carriers, the longest of these were a Mediterranean cruise in 1960-61 and in 1972-73 he cruised from Mayport, FL to a battle station off the coast of Vietnam. He had previously made three short tours in country.

After retiring from the military, he bought a fishing tackle business and named it Bob's Fishing Hole. He operated the business for 20 years before returning to his hometown of DeWitt.

Bobby was a 32 Degree Mason and a Shriner. He was also a member of the Loyal Order of Moose and the Fleet Reserve Association.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Martha Evers Watkins; his later in life love and best friend Phyllis Donahue; brothers Charles, Tommy, Jack, and Joe; and sisters Joyce and Barbara.

Bobby is survived by his children SanDee of Chesapeake, VA, Randal of DeWitt, and Danny of Clarksburg, WV; and many loving and caring cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral services were July 17 at Forks LaGrue Missionary Baptist Church with burial in Forks LaGrue Cemetery by Essex Funeral Home. www.essexfuneralhome.com



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