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Howard Watkins Obituary
Dr. Howard B. Watkins Dr. Howard B. Watkins, died peacefully, at home surrounded by family, Saturday, August 28, 2010.
Howard was born on July 9, 1923, in Floyd County, Virginia, to James Robert and Pearl Shortt Watkins. He was the fifth of seven children, all of whom predeceased him.
A graduate of Floyd County public schools, he enlisted in the aviation cadet program of the Army Air Force during World War II. Upon completion of his training, he served as a B-24 bomber pilot in Europe and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and various other air medals. After the war, Howard attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and graduated from the Dental School of the Medical College of Virginia. He then returned to the Air Force for the Korean conflict and met his future bride, Geraldine Kortz, while stationed in St. Louis.
Howard and Jerry moved to Charlottesville in 1953 to begin his dental practice. He served the Charlottesville community for over 30 years.
In addition to his wife of 58 years, Howard is survived by their four children, Robert, Ann, Judy and Scott; his daughter in-law, Caroline; four precious grandchildren, Ellie, Will Sarah and Lillian; nieces, nephews and his beloved dog, Luke.
He is remembered and loved by many caring friends and neighbors.
Howard was a man of many interests and a true patriot as a member of the Greatest Generation. He enjoyed the outdoors and traveled to Switzerland, Africa and the Tetons to climb with friends and family. He enjoyed his daily "dog walk" for many years with the dog walk gang through the trails on Observatory Mountain. He loved Virginia and Floyd County, traveling there frequently to visit the family farm. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, August 31, 2010, at Hill and Wood Funeral Home. Interment will be private.
The family would like to thank the University of Virginia Medical Center staff, the Colonnades, Americare Plus and Hospice of the Piedmont for their care and support during this time.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Meals on Wheels or the charity of your choice.
Friends may sign the guest book at www.hillandwood.com.
This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Joan Carnes Johnson
February 12, 2011
Cousin Geri,
Sincere condolences from the children of your mother's brother, Sol Carnes. We have fond memories of brief visits to your home in Virgiania with our parents, Sol and Alice, when they stopped by during our childhood vacations, as well as seeing you all when you visited family in Cincinnati.
God bless Howard, as well as you and your family.
Chris Carnes
Jim Carnes
Sarah Carnes Huber
Tom Scott
September 5, 2010
I am honored to have been one of his many friends. He was a true Virginia Gentleman.
Barbara Snow-Jenkins
September 3, 2010
My deepest sympathy to the family. I worked for him for years when we were in Medical Arts Pharmacy on East High Street. He was a wonderful person .
John Lancaster
September 3, 2010
Howard and I graduated from Floyd High school, roomed together in Pulaski. working foe a defence plant. Went different ways. Both joined Air Corps and became B-24 pilots.A true friend and a fine Gentleman. I am so sorry.
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G Fife
August 31, 2010
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences to the family.
john watkins
August 31, 2010
Sorry for your loss, I loved Uncle Howard
August 31, 2010
Howard was our friend for many years and will always be remenbered. He was one of the few Virginia Gentlemen that we were proud to call a friend.
Donna and Forrest Marshall
August 31, 2010
My sincere condolences to the family. Dr. Watkins was my family's and my dentist from 1953 until he retired. He was a kind, caring and patient man. I appreciated his sense of humor. J. Eddins
James Sprouse
August 30, 2010
My deepest sympathy to the family. Howard Watkins was my dentist from childhood through college...from the little office off Main Street to the one on East High St. He was a wonderful, caring and compassionate man. I thought of him as the Marcus Welby of the dental profession. J. Sprouse
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