Robert Lee "Bobby" Watkins

Mr. Robert Lee "Bobby" Watkins, Jr., 82, of Waynesboro, MS went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Wayne General Hospital in Waynesboro, MS. He was born in Laurel, MS on Wednesday, April 28, 1943, and was the son of Robert Lee Watkins, Sr. and Vernon Lee Watkins. He was a devoted lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Waynesboro and loved his church family. A 1961 graduate of Waynesboro High School, Bobby played football, baseball and basketball. His favorite pastimes were hunting deer and turkey, fishing with his buddies, and watching Ole Miss Football. Bobby graduated from the University of Mississippi with a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1965. If you spent much time with him, you would know of his love for the Ole Miss Rebels "Hotty Totty"! He was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. Mr. Watkins served in the United States Army during the Vietnam era. His priorities in life were God, Family and Country.
In 1964, Bobby married the love of his life Elaine Clanton, and they were blessed with 62 years of marriage. They became high school sweethearts when she was in the 8th grade and the rest is history! They have two children, Shara and Brent. After Bobby graduated from Ole Miss in 1965, they moved to Gulfport where he was employed with Mississippi Power Company as Dealer Coordinator. A longtime businessman in Waynesboro, Bobby began his career in the clothing business in 1968 when he and Elaine moved back home and opened Watkins Heritage Shop on the second floor of Watkins Department Store established in 1949 by his parents. 10 years later, the business was expanded with the new Men & Boys Store. The clothing stores were closed in the 1990s. Bobby then entered a new era in business by opening Watkins Ad Products in 1997, specializing in promotional advertising products with embroidery and screen printing plus Tuxedo Rental. It is still in operation today! He achieved his dream and was successful with a total of 58 years in business on Station Street in Waynesboro. He loved and appreciated all his customers that came through the doors and made so many friends over those years. He never met a stranger, and he could talk to anyone about anything!
Mr. Watkins is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Lee Watkins, Sr. and Vernon Lee Watkins; grandson, Cameron Thomas Stewart; Father-In-Law, Roy Clanton; Mother-In-Law, Maggie Laura Clanton; two Brothers-In-Law, Terry Clanton and Charles "Chuck" Souther. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Laura Elaine Watkins of Waynesboro, MS; son, Robert Brent Watkins (Krissi) of Nashville, TN; daughter, Shara Watkins-Bowdoin; sister, Mary Kay Watkins Souther, both of Waynesboro, MS; five grandchildren that he dearly loved and enjoyed spending time with, and was proud of each one, Caleb Bowdoin (Charley), Caroline Watkins Caudell (Bobby), Lauren Watkins Bundy (Will), Anna Watkins, and Lilly Watkins; great grandson, James Robert Caudell; Sister-In-Law, Betty Clanton; nephew, Trevor Clanton; two nieces, Melanie West Harman (Reed) and Chandler Chance (Kevin); four great nieces, Kate Harman, Courtlyn Clanton, Blakely Chance and Brenleigh Chance; two great nephews, David Harman and Brantley Chance. He also loved the four family fur babies, Rebel, Maxx, Dixie Belle, and George! Bobby will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him.
Visitation for Mr. Watkins will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Friday, February 20, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Waynesboro, Waynesboro, MS. Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 PM Friday, February 20, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Waynesboro in Waynesboro, MS with Dr. Steve Smith officiating. Interment will be in Waynesboro Cemetery in Waynesboro, MS. Pallbearers are Caleb Bowdoin, Trevor Clanton, John Clanton, Reed Harman, Ennis King, and Gary Sigler. Honorary Pallbearers are Jimmy Gardner, Larry Stanley, Ronnie Brewer, Clayton Fowler, and Michael Beard.