Reverend William D. Watkins

While I did not know Reverend Watkins, I lived across the park from David and we were in school together in Litchfield Park. I think of the Watkins family whenever I walk by their old house by the church, which is quite often.

Shirley, Carol, David and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Rev. Watkins/Bill was a ray of sunshine in so many lives in this community. Our lives were enriched by knowing him. May you find comfort in your memories.

Marilyn Matheus, Betsy Matheus Bowman, Jenny Matheus Neurath, Chris Matheus, and Jon Matheus

Thanks be to God for such a wonderful man whose life was dedicated to service and kindness. He was a man filled with energy and vision and encouragement. His life story has something to teach all of us about commitment, goodness, kindness and love for the entire human family.

Dear Shirley and family, My heart dropped when I was told of Bill's death. Bill played such an important part of our lives when we lived in Yuma. Because of his love and leadership in Sierra Vista, Marcy and Tracy went to church camp as often as possible and subsequently married young men whom they met at camp. One of my favorite funny memories is Bill's smile when Tim would call him "creature" instead of Preacher. Bill was always steadfast. He helped me during the death of Bob and both...

My heart goes out to the family at this sad time. Bill was always a caring and loving Christian man whose warm and caring nature touched so many others. My children, Peter, Rebecca and Leah Goldstein remember him as as that nice man who came in and out of our circle as they grew up, especially in the orchestra. He buried my husband David in 2004, and I wouldn't have had anyone else at that time. Bill, you will be missed, but your legacy lives on in our hearts. Thank you.

Shirley and family;

Marty and I were saddened to hear of Bill's death and we have always felt God's love through Bill's ministering to us during our many years in Yuma. He truly lived a life of goodness (one as Christ encouraged).Byron, Leigh and Robin were nurtured during their formulative years with his good counsel. We all shall miss him!

We know that Bill is having a good time renewing friendships with those gone before. In the 39 years since we met, we can remember too many things to list here, but those that are outstanding are the camping at the church retreats where he would "graze" from table to table enjoying the food that others brought. There were times at church sailing parties at Senator Wash where he didn't do well; although a Navy man, Bill was not an accomplished sailor. We worked together fixing his '70 Ford...

Dear Watkins Family,
After my father's death, my mother Sara Riley began attending Sierra Vista with her best friend and neighbor, Mary Ferree. I cannot begin to tell you how much my mother loved becoming a member of Bill's flock, how inspiring and uplifting his sermons were, and how touched Courtney and I were when he arrived at YRMC on a hot August afternoon in 2006 to share a final prayer with us at her passing. Just two years later he was once again called upon to comfort us all at...

Our prayers are with you for the loss of your precious Husband, may God keep you and your family. He will be missed by all he came in contact with. Sincerely,
Jim and Charlotte Hill of (Odessa Texas)