Carl Dwight Watkins

Carl Dwight Watkins was born on October 23, 1940 to the late Charley Dalton and Jesse Myrtle McCullough Watkins in Hayti, Missouri. He was one of eight children. He had three brothers: Charles, Harold, Wilson, and four sisters: Reba, Catherine, Agatha, and Mary.

He graduated high school in Braggadocio, Missouri in 1958. Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served four years. He proudly and honorably served his country.

In March of 1961 he married Juanita Ann Sawyer of Millington, TN. The Lord blessed them with four children: Wilson Dalton Watkins and wife Robin of Pocahontas, TN, Linda Michelle Kevorkian of Nashville, TN, Jessica  Lynn Young and husband Micky of Franklin, TN, James Dwight Watkins of Burnsville, MS. Carl and Juanita were married for 18 years. They were also blessed with 10 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.

Carl was a carpenter and a farmer by trade. He enjoyed building houses with his two sons. He loved hunting, fishing, watching college and NFL football. He was also a master gardener and 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason.

He was lifelong Republican but could argue either side of any political debate-he loved talking to people. He liked playing blackjack and craps at the casinos.

In his later years, he enjoyed church and was a member at Paris Baptist church in Water Valley, MS. He was a longtime donor to LeBonheur Children's Hospital in Memphis, TN.