Melvin L. WATKINS

POQUOSON - Melvin Lee Watkins, 85, a native and lifelong resident of Poquoson, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012.
After enlisting in the Navy at age 18, Mel served aboard the USS Pritchett and USS Klondike in the Pacific as a radarman. He retired from N.A.S.A. after 37 years. His love for working with his hands led him to start his own custom home building company, "Mel Watkins Inc.," building homes primarily in Kingsmill of Williamsburg.
Mel was a lifelong member of Trinity United Methodist Church, the Wesley Fellowship S.S. Class, the George M. Amos Men's Chorus, the church Staff-Parish Relations Committee, and Finance Committee. He was always available to help with the Trinity Fundraisers in several capacities of their money making endeavors. He served on the Poquoson Board of Zoning Appeals from 1992 – 2005. He was a member of the Poquoson Lions Club and received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award presented for Dedicated Humanitarian Service to the Lions Club International Foundation.
Mel was preceded in death by his parents, Robena Messick and William Thomas Watkins; and brother, William Thomas Watkins (Dot).
He is survived by his devoted wife and best friend of 66 years, Nancy Huggett Watkins; two daughters, Deborah Parker, and Dianne Watson (Dr. Francis); seven grandchildren, Joshua Maxwell Watson (Barbara), Lee Watson, Mary Frances Watson, Patrick Watson, Hannah Watson, Cole Parker, and Micah Lee Parker; and brother, Durward Watkins (Margaret Lee); and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends tonight from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Claytor Rollins Funeral Home, Poquoson, and other times at the home. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, at Trinity United Methodist Church by the Rev. George T. Insley Jr. and the Rev. Milford C. Rollins. Burial will follow at Weston Cemetery, Poquoson, with Navy honors.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lions Club Eye Bank, 600 Gresham Dr., Norfolk, VA 23507, or to Poquoson Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 2099, Poquoson, VA 23662. Online condolences to www.claytorrollins.com. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.