John Joseph Watkins

John Joseph Watkins was born September 2, 1940, in Uniontown, KY and passed away December 18, 2025, in Oxford, MS. Mr. Watkins served in the Marine Corps for ten years and was a retired food broker. He was a member of Leawood East Baptist Church and was an ordained deacon.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Linda Blakely Watkins of Bartlett, TN; daughter, Tina Almond (Greg) of Auburn, AL; son, Jordan Watkins of Memphis, TN; grandchildren, Seth Elliott Almond (Haley), Sarah Elizabeth Almond; great grandchildren, Elliott, Waylon, and Parker Almond. He was preceded in death by his parents, J.C. and Elizabeth Watkins; brothers, Byron Watkins and Yancey Watkins.

The family would like to extend gratitude and thanks to all staff at the Mississippi State Veterans Home in Oxford, and especially Whitney Holmes for their care and dedication over the last three years.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 2 until 3 pm, followed by a memorial service at 3 pm at Leawood East Baptist Church, 1620 N Houston Levee Rd, Cordova, TN 38016. Interment will be in West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Leawood East Baptist Church.