William Watkins Jr.

WATKINS, William F. Jr., departed this life for his heavenly home on the 15th day of August 2012. He was born in Millen, Ga., on April 10, 1926, the son of the late William F. Watkins and Susie Bone Watkins. His family moved from Millen to Farmville, Va., in 1938. He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Norma Soyars Watkins; and his son, Richard Forbes Watkins. He is survived by his daughter, Sally Anne Watkins Bobbitt and her husband, Thomas C. Bobbitt; his son, William N. Watkins and his wife, Jean Penick Watkins, all of Richmond, Va.; his daughter-in-law, Donna V. Watkins of Pawley's Island, S.C.; and by his grandchildren, Eddie Watkins of Boston, Henry Watkins of Richmond, Andrew Watkins, Lucas Watkins and Kate Watkins of Pawley's Island; his brother-in-law, Carl Soyars; and many nieces and nephews. He was a lifetime Christian. He loved the Farmville Presbyterian Church, where he had served as an Elder and helped lead the Men's Sunday school for all of his adult life. Billy was an avid reader and wonderful storyteller who delighted in the company of family and friends. He also cherished Farmville, Virginia, where he served as its Mayor in the 1960s, served as the Town Attorney and had been Prince Edward County's Commonwealth's Attorney for over 28 years. He practiced law in Farmville for 50 years. He served as a member of the Board of Directors and President of Southside Community Hospital, now Centra Health, for 36 years. He was proud of his service on the Board of Directors of The Woodlands of Farmville where he, as recently as four months before his death, had served as its Chairman of the Board. He had been a member of the Farmville Jaycees, serving as its President and as a State Vice President of the Virginia Jaycees and a member of the Farmville Lions Club for 50 years. He attended VMI, Duke University, and graduated from Hampden-Sydney College, receiving his legal education from the University of Virginia. The family is grateful for the loving care and support shown to him by all his friends, his family and the tender care provided to him by the team from Centra Hospice and his care team. The family will receive friends on Friday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Puckett Funeral Home in Farmville. A "Home Coming Celebration" will be held in the Farmville Presbyterian Church on Saturday, August 18, at 11 a.m., followed by a graveside service. Billy requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Farmville Presbyterian Church or the Prince Edward Volunteer Rescue Squad. Puckett Funeral Home is serving the family. www.puckettfh.com


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.