Gerald Maynard Watkins

WATKINS Gerald Maynard Watkins, 86, of Orange Park, died peacefully on August 31, 2006. He was a decorated veteran of World War II, a navy pilot who was present at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. He became a career air line pilot. Following his retirement as Chief Pilot from National Air Lines, Mr. Watkins entered the University of Miami School of Law, at age 67. Mr. Watkins experienced a lifelong love of learning, having studied at Jacksonville University, Columbia University, Barry University and then law school. He taught various aviation courses for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and for Miami Dade Community College. He passed the Florida Bar at age 70 and practiced law in the Miami area for a period of time. A fifth generation Floridian, Mr. Watkins relocated to Eagle Harbor from Coral Gables, Florida, in 2000. Mr. Watkins was a devoted husband and father and is survived by his wife, Norma D'Angelo Watkins, his daughter, Dawne Watkins Lazar, his son, Gerald Maynard Watkins II, and his daughter Susan Watkins Schlotzhauer. He has five grandchildren, Gerald Maynard Watkins III, Lucy Watkins, Katy LaPoint, Christopher Schlotzhauer, and Matthew Watkins Lazar. He loved his wife and family and will be sorely missed. Mr. Watkins was a man of deep and abiding faith and felt confident taking the first step in his walk with God. Memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2006, at 11AM at the Pinewood Presbyterian Church, 198 Knight Boxx Road in Orange Park, FL. The family deeply appreciates the outpouring of love and support. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Hospice of Northeast Florida. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com