Jackie "J.R" Watkins

Funeral service for Jackie “J.R” Watkins, age 88 of Sulphur Springs, Texas will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home with Bro Mark Garrett officiating. Interment will follow at Reilly Springs Cemetery with Talon Cockrum, Canyon Cockrum, Jake Cockrum, Justin Watkins, Chad Watkins and Jon Watkins serving as pallbearers. Benny Hooker, Don Aulsbrook and Delbert Milam will serve as honorary pallbearers. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home. Mr. Watkins passed away on October 25, 2025 at Christus Mother Frances – Sulphur Springs.

Jackie was born on April 16, 1937 in McKinney, Texas to James “Dick” and Maggie (Fisher) Watkins. He married Glenda Rae Moench on June 28, 1958 in Potter, Nebraska. Jackie worked in the oil field for 17 years. Before he and Glenda moved to Reilly Springs, Texas in 1959 and started their adventure in the dairy business until he sold out in 1998. Jackie loved racing horses, camping, and spending time with his family and friends on Watkins Hill.

He is survived by his children, Lloyd Watkins and wife, Cindy, Mark Watkins and wife, Christi, Jenny Cockrum and husband, Terry, and Daryl Watkins and wife, Marty; nineteen grandchildren; fifty-one great grandchildren; nineteen great-great grandchildren; siblings, Bodie Watkins and twin sister, Ressie Sartin; numerous nieces and nephews. 

Jackie was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Glenda; daughter Vicki Dais, and sisters, Juanita Nelson and Doris Flores.