Travis Bradford Watkins

Travis Bradford Watkins, Jr. "Brad" was born in Roswell, NM on December 14, 1942. He attended the New Mexico Military Institute for high school and there began his lifelong love for the game of golf. Brad then enlisted in the US Navy where he served during the Viet Nam conflict. He was stationed in Okinawa, Alaska, and Hawaii during his tour of duty, and he was always proud of his service to our country.
After his military service, Brad attended New Mexico State University where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in accounting. He married Susan Walter and they moved to Houston, TX where Brad began working as an accountant for a law firm, then in the oil and gas industry. Brad and Suzi had 2 daughters, Ashlie and Allison, and made many lifelong friends while living on the west side of Houston during their 18-year marriage.
In 1989, Brad moved to The Woodlands and became involved in the First Baptist Church of the Woodlands while working for Mitchell Energy. He met Sharon Kay Kirby and soon married her, welcoming 3 more daughters, Christi, Pam, and Stephanie, into his life. Brad and Sharon were active in the community, serving with the Kairos prison ministry and volunteering at Memorial Herman Hospital. They loved entertaining friends and family, especially as their family grew to include 5 sons-in-law and 13 grandchildren. They were lovingly known as Grandad and Nana Kay, and Brad was always full of jokes, silly moments, wise advice, and lots of love for his family.
In addition to hosting the best backyard cookouts and pool parties, Brad loved to watch the PGA and take daily golf cart rides around the neighborhood with his dogs. Over the years, many dogs and grand-dogs were blessed with the good fortune to end up in the Watkins house, where there was always an entire hamburger or fajita ready to be hand-fed to the lucky pups. Brad loved his canine friends as much as the amazing group of friends he had from church, work, and the neighborhoods he lived in over the years.
After the loss of his wife of more than 20 years, Brad continued being active in the lives of his children and grandchildren, joined Klein United Methodist Church, and relocated to Spring to be near family. Although his last 2 1/2 years were challenging, Brad never lost the sparkle in his eye or the ability to encourage, share wisdom, laugh, and find the joy in most any situation. He knew and proclaimed that the Lord had blessed him with a tremendous life full of love.
Brad passed away peacefully on July 2, 2024. He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Sharon Kay Watkins and his parents, Travis Bradford Watkins Sr. and Marideth Sherrell Watkins. Brad is survived by Siblings: Stan Watkins (Rosetta) and Barbara Rizzo; Daughters: Ashlie Driver (Stephen), Allison Nordeen (Michael), Christi Smith (Heath). Pamela Voigt (BJ), and Stephanie Knuppel (Justin); Grandchildren: Cassidi Voigt, Brandon Smith, Charlie Nordeen, Kirby Smith Weeks, Caitlyn Nordeen, Madeline Driver, Cameron Knuppel, Luke Voigt, Colton Nordeen, Travis Driver, Tucker Voigt, Holden Knuppel, and Elise Driver; beloved pup, Toby, and many lifelong friends.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Klein United Methodist Church on Tuesday, July 30th at 1:00 pm with a Reception to follow. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Klein United Methodist Church or the Montgomery County Animal Shelter.