Henry Judson Watkins

Henry Judson Watkins, age 83, passed away January 7, 2025 at his home in McDonough, Georgia. He was born in Elizabethton, Tennessee on February 18, 1941. He grew up in Watauga, Tennessee. Henry leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Anne; his daughter, Tammy Hernandez; and his son Wesley Watkins; two grandchildren Emily (James) Jones and Alex Hernandez; two great-grandchildren Mikel Gabriel Jones and Nikolas Ledger Jones. He is also survived by a brother, John Watkins of Elizabethton, TN and a sister, Carrie Lee Campbell of Richmond, VA, 1 niece, 4 nephews, 2 great-nieces, 2 great-nephews, cousins and an extended family of in-laws. He also leaves behind a cousin who was like a brother, Robert (Kegley) Mottern.
Henry was preceded in death by his parents, William J. and Cleo Mottern Watkins; a brother William J. (Billy) Watkins and a sister, Mollie Teilhet. Henry was a loving, caring, and hardworking husband, father, and grandfather. He worked tirelessly to ensure his family never went without.
Henry also leaves behind a neighborhood of friends. He loved his Ashley Downs neighbors. It goes without saying that he also had too many friends outside of the community to mention. He was a Christian and exuded that spirit in so many ways. That, along with his wit, drew many people to him. Henry was always more than willing to give whatever was needed to those he cared for.
Henry was a graduate of East Tennessee State University and taught school for 34 years in Tennessee, Florida, and Georgia. All of those years and even after his retirement he worked extra jobs. In the early years he did that for his family, but in later years it was because he wanted to help his neighbors and needed to keep busy.
Henry requested that no service be held for him. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Henry, please visit our Tree Store.