Longtime Anchorage resident, Mr. Thomas Ray Watkins, 61, passed away from a heart attack, Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at the Alaska Regional Hospital in Anchorage. Funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at the Anchorage Funeral Home, 1800 Dare Ave. in Anchorage. Viewing will be one hour prior to the services. Reverend Charles Fricke will officiate. A celebration of Thomas' life will follow at the VFW Post 10252, 3105 Mt. View Drive in Anchorage. His ashes will be inurned with family at the Chapel Hill Cemetery in Dequeen, Arkansas at a later date. Thomas was born March 26, 1953 to Marshall Lewis and Mary Ruth (Kinney) Watkins in Fort Worth, Texas. He moved to Alaska with his family in 1958 and had graduated from East High School in 1972. Thomas was baptized in the First Baptist Church in Anchorage. He was a die-hard Denver Broncos fan that never missed a game. When the Broncos won the super bowl, it was the best year of his life. The highlight of his days were, when he was playing Texas Hold Em with his many friends in the poker family. Thomas loved the game of bowling and was a member of the Anchorage Bowling Association for many years. Bowling was a special bond that he shared with his mother. "Thomas was a loving father, grandfather, brother and friend. He cherished the times he got to spend with his daughter and only grandson. Thomas was a very trusting and loving person who would always be willing to help anyone he could. We would like to give special thanks to George, Mark, Cheryl and Betty along with his many other friends for always being there for him. And of course we can't forget his cousin David, who was always more of a brother than a cousin to him," wrote the family. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Patricia Watkins; and daughter, Sharon Watkins. He is survived by his daughter, Samantha Womack of Phoenix, AZ; grandson, Logan Womack of Phoenix, AZ; sister, Glee Lane of Fort Worth, TX; brother and sister in-law, Ben and Linda Watkins of Midlothian, TX; sister and brother in-law, Kathy & James Hansen of Anchorage, AK; a number of nieces, nephews and cousins. In lieu of flowers, a memorial scholarship account for his only grandson, Logan Womack was been opened in the name of Samantha Womack at First National Bank, P.O. Box 100720, Anchorage, AK 99510. Arrangements were cared for by the Anchorage Funeral Home. Please visit Thomas' obituary and online guestbook at www.AlaskanFuneral.com

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Published by Anchorage Daily News on Nov. 30, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Watkins

19 Entries

Carol Jent

December 5, 2014

I am a friend from high school and remember his shy smile and twinkling eyes. His photo shows the same. What a heart. A little light has gone out in this world. God Bless.

odessa merriweather

December 3, 2014

To Mr Thomas WATKIN FAMILEY YOU ALL HAVE MY CONDOLENCES AND TOMMY REST IN PEACE.Idid not know you but my son did Mr charles Bailey did.

East High Class of 1972...We will miss you Tommy. Rest in peace.

December 2, 2014

Thomas in Las Vegas (2013)

Charles Bailey

December 2, 2014

I was very stunned to learn about the death of Thomas, whom was a dear friend to Ilona and me. I still cannot believe that he died so unexpectedly. However, as they say, the one who is adored the most by the God is the one who achieves eternal life. We will miss Thomas, and we will cherish all the happy memories we had with him. Especially the memories in Las Vegas last year; Thomas really enjoyed himself!!! Our family and friends really enjoyed his companionship and laughter we all shared during this vacation.
On another note, I would like to personally thank Thomas for his genuine concerns: 1. Time poker starts, 2.Poker game location(s),
3. He would ALWAYS ensure I had a place to stay every time I traveled to Anchorage. After late night poker games; Thomas would say, “Let's go to Denny's and eat breakfast” (lol). Despite how tired we were, he and I would eat a big breakfast and there after start conversing about family and poker strategies', Thomas had dreams of winning big in poker, but of course that's every poker player dream!! But he failed not to mention it every time we ate breakfast.
I will profoundly say, Thomas spoke dearly of his close friends and family members and I must have seen every photo he owns of his family (I thank Thomas for sharing them with me)!!! What a guy he was…Thomas said to me one day, I got a gift for you…so one night (actually early morning) after breakfast at Denny's again!! I drove Thomas home and he invited me in and gave me an envelope with a picture of him. NOW, HOW MANY MEN OUT THERE WOULD GIVE ANOTHER MAN A PHOTO OF HIMSELF (LOL)?? I WAS RELUCTANT THERE FOR MINUTE AND THEN I THOUGHT ABOUT HOW SINCERE HE WAS… “Thomas will not be forgotten”
I will cherish all the memories and the photo forever!
Love the Bailey Family

Lesia Jackson

December 1, 2014

My condolences to the Watkins family. Thomas 's smile will me missed by all that knew him. I had the pleasure of meeting him during his visit to Las Vegas. He was a very special friend to my brother and sister in law. Before the end of the visit, he was Special to everyone! We will miss you Thomas!!!!!

Timothy Keaveny

December 1, 2014

My condolences goes out to his family and friends. I'm always going to remember his smile he brought to the poker table. Thomas you are going to be missed! Love you, Bro!

Ben Watkins

December 1, 2014

To my brother Tommy, I very much enjoyed our last two visits when you came down and stayed a week with us. The first thing we had to do was get you a pair of long pants on your first visit as it was winter and you only brought shorts. We took you to AT&T Cowboy Stadium for a tour of the stadium. As they proceeded to tell us everything great about the cowboys, you reminded them of everything great that the Denver Broncos ever did throughout their history. We told you to remove your Bronco Cap while at the stadium, but you would hear of it. On your next visit during the summer we took you to DeQueen Ark. to visit friends and family gravesite. On the way down, at the New Boston exit Tommy said that I had run a red light that I did not see. Turns out this light had a camera on it, and I said I will probably get a ticket as I had not had one in forty years. After we pulled into a gas station on the same corner, I went in the store and the clerk informed me that I should not get a ticket as he didn't think the camera worked. It seems Tommy had gone in the store ahead of me and asked several people in the store if the camera in the intersection worked, as his big brother had just run the red light. These are some of the memories I will always cherish.

We love and will miss you.

Your Big Brother Ben and sister-in-law Linda

Wyeth and Casey Kirkeby

November 30, 2014

RIP Thomas. I know you are in a better place now that has no pain. Your memory will never be forgotten. Thoughts and prayers to your loved ones.

Helen Sutton

November 30, 2014

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

George Bernardy

November 30, 2014

Tommy had the most positive attitude of any one who I ever came into contact with during our high school years.

He always had a smile and a kind word.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Rest in Peace Tommy.

Ben Watkins

November 30, 2014

To my brother Tommy, I very much enjoyed our last two visits when you came down and stayed a week with us, the first thing we had to do was get you a pair of long pants on your first visit as it was winter and you only brought shorts. We took you to AT&T Cowboy Stadium for a tour of the stadium, as they proceeded to tell us everything great about the Cowboys, you reminded them of everything great that the Denver Broncos ever did throughout their history. We told you that you need to remove that Bronco Cap, but you would not hear of it. On your next visit during the summer we took you to DeQueen Ark. to visit friends and family gravesite. On the way down and the New Boston exit Tommy said I had run a red light that I did not see. Turns out this light had a camera on it and I said I will probably get a ticket as I had not gotten a ticket in forty years. After we pulled into a gas station on the same corner I went into the store and the clerk informed me that I should not get a ticket as he did not think the camera worked. It seems Tommy had gone into the store ahead of me and asked several people in the store if the red light camera worked, as his big brother had just run the red light. These are some of the memories I will always cherish.

We love and will miss you.
Your brother Ben and sister-in-law Linda

Pamela Painter-Jones

November 30, 2014

Tommy was one of East Anchorage High Schools biggest fans! He will be remembered for his spirit and his generous personality! It was a joy to have known him and share great school memories... Rest in peace Tommy. My condolences to his family.

Frank and Lisa Vukasin

November 30, 2014

To Thomas's family Frank and I send our condolences. He always spoke of his family with much pride, I know he loved deeply those he spoke of. We were opponents at the tables but proud to call him friend away. Never will he be forgotten for his kindness and his poker playing.

Michael Herring

November 30, 2014

Thomas had a loving and kind heart for others that was always on display every time I saw him. His love for the game of poker was also evident by the passion he played it with. Thomas, I believe I speak for us all that knew you....you are loved and will be sorely missed.

Shelbee Davis

November 29, 2014

Thomas you will be missed buddy! You were one of the happiest guys I have ever known! I am honored I was able to hang out with you and call you a friend. I will be seeing you around Thomas! Rest easy! And go Broncos!!!

Mark Grenier

November 29, 2014

Thomas was the nicest guy in Hold'em poker I knew. I always looked for him at the tournaments. He will be missed.

David & Susan Amos

November 29, 2014

To My" Brother From Another Mother " You were that One Special Cousin ,Friend ,My Brother ,That Stood Above All The Others , Of course you love them All, but we had A Closer Love For One another ,Like A Brother ,It`s like we always knew what the other was Thanking with out saying A Word ,You had more reason to be down on life , But no , you were always there with that big old smile Always Happy & Helpful, You Could Always See The Beauty Of A person no mater how there outer apperance Looked , You Always Liked A Woman With A Big Butt !!! Ha Ha Ha ,But you could See There Hearts , I gave him his first Baptism , Tommy & I got him out in the middle of a lake in a boat & then we through Him In , It Was Funny the First three times he went down , And He never let me forget it ! The stories we could tell of our life to gather could go on for ever . I loved You Like No other & we may of been Brothers From another Mother But We Had The Same Father In" God "& I know how to find you When The Time Comes You were like a lot, of others, A Long Way From Walking on Water But you were A true Son Of God ,And Now Your broken down body , Is Not Only Perfect In Ever Way But Now You Have Wings Too !!! I Will Be seeing you when it`s time, You will always Be A part of Me I will never stop loving you, David Amos .

John and Angela Yeager

November 29, 2014

Tommy you will be missed so very much because the hearts of many break in sadness that you are no longer with us. You live in our hearts for eternity. Rest peacefully Tommy! Our thoughts, prayers and love to the family.

Dana Mendez

November 28, 2014

Kenneth and I want to send our love to our family in Anchorage. We will miss Uncle Tommy. I am so happy that our kids got to meet him and spend quite a bit of time with him in the summer of 2013. We all had a really fun time splashing Tommy in the pool. We send our love and prayers.

Love,
Kenneth, Dana, Daniel and Andrea Mendez

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