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Joe Watkins Obituary

Joe Watkins - MIDWAY - Joe Watkins, 18, a freshman at Georgia Southern University from Midway, died Saturday, Nov. 26, 2011, from injuries he sustained in a wreck on Nov. 18. He was born Dec. 25, 1992, to Jan Williams and Pat Watkins. Joe was a baseball player and achieved one of his life's goals; signing a scholarship to play ball with a NCAA Division 1 school, GSU. Unfortunately his college ball never went beyond practices. Survivors include his parents; brother, Richard Watkins of Savannah and Midway; grandmothers, Jean Watkins Simkins and Mary Williams; and girlfriend, Tyler Homberger of Effingham County. Visitation and viewing will be from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at Carter Funeral Home in Hinesville. A celebration of his life will be at noon Saturday, Dec. 3, on Panther Field at Liberty County High School. Bring lawn chairs if you can't stand for the service, which we hope to keep short. Baseball attire will be appreciated. If the weather is bad, the service will be moved to the gym at Midway Middle School. In lieu of flowers, donations to the LCHS Diamond Club Baseball Booster will help buy a new practice pitching backstop. Mail memorials to Adrianne Matthews, DCBB treasurer, at 1223 Pineridge Way, Hinesville, GA 31313. Carter Funeral Home Oglethorpe Chapel 912-368-3780 www.carteroglethorpe.com Savannah Morning News November 30, 2011 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at savannnahnow.com/obituaries.

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Published by Savannah Morning News on Nov. 30, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Joe Watkins

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Jimmy Wayne Renfro

December 10, 2011

I am so sorry to hear about this. I taught Joe and Richard music and have many great memories. My deepest prayers go out to The Watkins family I am so sorry.

Della & Hailey Melton

December 9, 2011

I loved Joe he was such a joy we have lost a wonderful person but have gained a great guardian angel as I know he is watching out for all of us. When I am down I will think of Joe because he could always put a smile on your face. Sending many prayers your way!

December 8, 2011

BOth of my kids are students at Georgia Southern and had met Joe. My daughter Nicole and her friend Susan hung out with Joe and my daughter talked about Joe ALL the time! How funny and nice he was and how much fun they all had and how Joe was just Joe and everyone liked him. I felt like I knew him through Nicole. When Nicole told me the horrible news of the accident my heart sank. I have been praying for your family since the accicent and still am praying.I pray you will feel the love and strength of God carry you through this difficult time. Debbie Travis, Newnan, GA

B H

December 7, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Robin Mawer

December 5, 2011

To The Watkins Family,

In all of Douglas's year's playing baseball, he got to know dozens of players, but no one was as unforgettable as Joe.

Even though he had lost touch with Joe over the years, we still spoke of him and remembered what a wonderful person he was. Joe was very special and anyone that ever met him knew it right away.

Douglas is attending East Georgia College right now, and said Joe stopped by to see him right before the accident. Douglas was so glad to see him and was looking forward to being at the same college together.

I have no words to express our tremendous sadness for your loss. I can only pray each day that somehow God will give you some degree of peace knowing that Joe was so special and touched so many lives.

He will never be forgotten, we will still speak of him often and remember him always!!

May God Give You Peace,
You will always be in our thoughts and prayers!

Robin, Doug & Douglas Mawer

December 4, 2011

my thoughts and prayers have been with you and your family since I heard of the wreck and they will continue to be with you. there is no one in this world that should have to feel the pain that you are feeling. may God be with you during this difficult time.
Ashley Edwards (Ellabell, GA)

Peggy Anderson

December 3, 2011

Jan and family-I can't be with you today due to being in the hospital, but my arms are reaching around you in a huge hug. There are no words I can express to tell you how sorry I am for your lose. I didn't know Joe, but I'm reading such wonderful things and learning so much about him even from when he was a very young child. You have so much to be proud of him for in his short life and the way he treated people and the mark he left on the world. He left it a better place than it was before he arrived here 18 years ago. What a wonderful thing to be able to say about a person. My heart and tears are with you now and in the future. Peggy Anderson.

Kelia Kindred

December 3, 2011

You are all in our thoughts today and everyday as you endure this unimaginable heartache. Jennifer, Kim, and I send our love to all of you and want you to know how much we love and miss you. We feel blessed and honored to have become part of the Watkins family. Our hearts go out to you.

Elder D.S ANDREWS

December 3, 2011

Greetings Mr. Pat Watkins and family,
Please accept our deepest sympothy in the loss of your son Joe. We pray for you and yours that you be strengthened, encouraged, and comforted at this most trying time. May you savor the wonderful memories of your son amd keep them in your heart forever. Please excuse our absence as we are out of town.

The Andrews Family.

Julie Pilcher (Albright)

December 3, 2011

Pat, Jan and Richard, My prayers go out to your family and friends in this difficult time.

GAIL SHIRAH

December 3, 2011

you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers , I am just down the street if you need something . I remember when all during the summer all the boys would gather at your house and would be playing ball , what a special time that was . ( shirah , MIDWAY GA )

Stephanie Cockerm

December 3, 2011

My deepest sympathy to the family. It was very hard to accept this. I still remember him in 7th grade. He was a joy to teach. May GOD bless his soul.( Stephanie Cockerm Hinesville, GA)

The Harmon's

December 2, 2011

Joe Joe will forever be in our hearts.
May the Good Lord bless this family and keep you strong.

Patricia Davis

December 2, 2011

Pat, Jan, Richard and Family,
My heart is with you, even if I can't be. Blessings to you, and may Joe smile upon his family and friends in these gatherings.
pattyo'

Mary S. Hannigan

December 2, 2011

Rest In Peace. God Be With this family, friends and loved ones.

December 1, 2011

Pat,Jan and Richard I hold each of you in my thoughts and prayers in the loss of your beloved son,brother and friend.
God bless you as you face the days ahead.
Becky Branch
Waverly,Ga

Zachary Rollins

December 1, 2011

With Deepest Sympathy

Melissa Carter Ray

December 1, 2011

Thinking of all of you during this difficult time! May God comfort you and bring you peace!

December 1, 2011

I am deeply saddened by your lost. May God bless you all through this difficult time.
Lori Versele

December 1, 2011

Sorry for your loss Watkins family joe is a awesome man he will be forever in our hearts

Craig Ward

December 1, 2011

Simply said, He was an enjoyment to coach will miss alot. Love to the family. Coach Craig Ward.

Greg& Annette Richardson

December 1, 2011

Thinking of your family and Pray for Gods Comfort for you!!

Kem and Steve Vollrath

December 1, 2011

As the days and weeks pass, know that we will be there for you if you should need us in anyway. We're so sorry for the loss of Joe, but it's comforting to know he will live on in others. May God continue to comfort and watch over you as only he can.

Nick and Andie Rorro

December 1, 2011

Pat,Jan and Richard,
Joe will forever live on and his presence will always be with and around you. You raised a fine young man who touched the hearts of those who knew him. May God put his arms around you to provide comfort during this time of need. We love you.

Sam & Janice Marsh

December 1, 2011

Your friends in Kansas are sending love and prayers your way at this very sad time. May the Lord give you strength.

Cedric Slay

December 1, 2011

I knew Joe while I taught at Liberty Elementary. Even at an early age, he was caring person who's sense of humor always made other people smile. May God comfort and strengthen the Watkins Family during this difficult time.

Margie Love

November 30, 2011

May God be very close to you all at this tragic time in your family.

Joanna Swinford

November 30, 2011

Jan and Pat,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Judy Buckley

November 30, 2011

so sorry for your loss. I know just how empty you feel right now. I lost my grandaughter 6 weeks ago. as one person told me all you have to do is just BREATHE. Your family will be in my prayers. judy buckley , hinesville

Christopher Swinford

November 30, 2011

Deeply sorry for your lose, with great sympathy-

Bernadette Flemming

November 30, 2011

MY prayers to the Watkins family. I got to know Joe for 6 yrs while he attended Liberty Elementary. May he RIP.

Evangelist Arlene & Michael Dameron

November 30, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Debbie, Allen & Meredith Brown

November 30, 2011

Pat, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Steve Bashlor

November 30, 2011

Jan, Pat and Richard, you have been in our thoughts and prayers since the accident. Steve and Tyler loved that Joe. And I enjoyed the "Joe" dugout stories on the way home from ballgames. He always gave Tyler encouragement and was the first one to say "good job" as well. He was a hard-nosed ball player that gave it all during the game but at the same time kept the players laughing! Thanks for sharing your summers and your precious son with all of the other baseball players and coaches.
Steve, Pam and Tyler Bashlor

Catie Medina

November 30, 2011

Joejoe was the first baby I was blessed with watching grow up in front of my eyes. Even as a child he could make you laugh at the drop of a hat especially when he would try to say "noodle" which for him was "doodle". Joejoe was very blessed to have such a loving brother and the most wonderful supportive parents I have ever had the honor of knowing. Though I don't know what comes after this life I like to believe that Joejoe is in heaven teaching kids about whats important the love of the game. Jan, Pat and Richard please know that my heart, my prayers and my love goes out to you all. Catie Medina ( Hinesville, GA)

November 30, 2011

He always made math class less dreadful :) you couldn't help but laugh with him. My prayers are with you. I'm so sorry for this loss.

Stephanie Vocke

November 30, 2011

I'm truly sorry for loss. I went to school with Joe for 2 years. He was an amazing guy and a joy to be around. He will be extremely missed. Its so sad to see a wonderful guy pass away due to a horrible tragedy. Your family is in my prayers. Once again im sorry for your loss.

A MOM WHO CARES

November 30, 2011

LIKE A COMET SHOOTING ACROSS THE EVENING SKIES GONE TOO SOON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alena Parker

November 30, 2011

So sorry to hear about this tragic news.

My most heartfelt sympathies to you, Pat, and your family. Please know that I am praying the God of all comfort surround you and your family during this difficult time.

Michelle Jeffries

November 30, 2011

I only met Joe a few tines, but he was a very nice young man. I am very sorry for your loss.

Kimberly Robinson

November 30, 2011

My heart is with you during this time of sorrow.

November 30, 2011

Pat & Jan, our thoughts and prayers are with you as you deal with the loss of your precious Joe. Cooper thought so much of him, and will cherish the memories of all the good times they had together, on and off the baseball field. Praying for God's comfort and grace for you all
Trent & Gail Lemonds, and Family

Deborah Helton

November 30, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss.

Peggy Neely

November 30, 2011

Joe will be definitely be missed around this coummunity.My heart goes out to any one this young man has touched....... R.I.P.

Leah Poole

November 30, 2011

With deepest sympathy.

Bonnie Parker

November 30, 2011

With deepest sympathy.

Jeanette Replogle

November 30, 2011

With deepest sympathy.

Dot Moss

November 30, 2011

Jan and Pat, I feel your pain. He was such a handsome young man. Such a tragic loss.

Monica brown

November 30, 2011

Joe will be missed but always remembered by everyone who loves him.
Who could ever forget that smile of his.

Demere' Bowen

November 30, 2011

Thinking of you all with a heavy heart, Watkins family. I am so terribly saddened by your loss.

Bob & Jaylen Katzman

November 30, 2011

Pat and Jan, our prayers are with you. We sure enjoyed watching Joe play the past 6 years. Will never forget his fire and competitive nature, fighting like a bulldog until the final out - win or lose. I know that Joe will be an angel looking over all his former teammates. We're here for you always. Bob, Jaylen and family.

Gwen Smith

November 30, 2011

I pray that God will strengthen you at this very difficult time. Please know that I am praying for your family.

Rita Watson

November 30, 2011

Jan and Pat, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time of loss in your family. Please let me know if I can help in any way.

November 30, 2011

Bless You Jan. I'm praying for you and the loss of your son. I have you in my spirit and heart. I trust that God will comfort you during this time in your life. If you need me for anything, just let me. Dr. Mary Murray, Diamond Elementary School

Warren & Patricia Waye

November 30, 2011

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

deborah gartner

November 30, 2011

i am so sorry for your loss...you will be in my thoughts and prayers...
sincerely

Candice haymans

November 29, 2011

Your smiling face will truely be missed!!!!!!!

November 29, 2011

I am truly very sorry.
Anne Cordeiro

Lisa SMITH

November 29, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss....please know you all are in my thoughts and prayers...Lisa Smith

Dawn Hadley

November 29, 2011

I didn't know Joe personally, but my son, Hunter, plays baseball for Richmond Hill. I know we hated to play LCHS when Joe was pitching; the highlight for Hunter last year was getting a base hit off Joe. They ended up being teammates this past summer in a tournament in Atlanta and landed in the same hotel room. Hunter said he had never laughed so much in his whole life. He thought a lot of Joe and loved that he was a guys' guy. My heart breaks for your family. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Amy Deese

November 29, 2011

Only the good die young. Your all in our thoughts & prayers. Joe will never be forgotten.

The Deese Family

Victoria Nalley

November 29, 2011

Joe, you were such a great person the little that i knew about you. me and you were in the spelling bee contest together when i was in sixth grade. i was so upset cause i lost and you came up to me and gave me the sucker you had won and gave me a hug and told me i did a good job :) i sure hate that you had to go this way. it really did make me sad once i heard it. but your in heaven with jesus and no more hurt. i love you joe :) r.i.p

Frank Kelso

November 29, 2011

To the Watkins Family,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you. Frank and Deb Kelso

November 29, 2011

Jeff Bailey

Andrea Dominick

November 29, 2011

Andrea Dominick and the 4 boys David,Daniel,Peyton,and Joey

Ricky Glisson

November 29, 2011

I can remember coaching Joe as a 9 yr old as a Midway Jet (football) several years ago, and new then he was a special youngman. He hated the fact that I made him play quarterback for awhile, but he did whatever was asked of him. God Bless Richard, Mrs. & Mr. Watkins and thanks for letting me know your son. I will see you again Joe God Bless You!

Ricky Glisson

Raneisha Grant

November 29, 2011

I was very sad and still is when my mom informed me what had happened to Joe. Joe and I go way back to Ms. Andersons kindergarten class, where we use to put our mats right byside each other during nap time..lol..Joe will truly be missed and I will continue to keep him and his family in my prayers! Stay strong Watkins Family!!

Wendy Waddell

November 29, 2011

Our deepest sympathies to Pat, Jan, and Richard. We were honored to have Joe in our life, and we cherish the many memories we have of him. Joey, you were such a joy, and you will be missed. We love you all. The Waddell Family

November 29, 2011

To Joe's Family:
We were all sad to hear of this great tragedy. Aaron and Joe were very close. We did not know Joe personally, but we have so much compassion for the family. To lose a precious young man like this we know has got to be devastating. Please know that you all are in our hearts and prayers. May our Heavenly Father hold you close to His side as you go through the sad days ahead...

"With Deepest & Heartfelt Sympathy"
Aaron Hoffer's Grandparents
Don & Anne Wright
Hinesville, Ga.

LT

November 29, 2011

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Greg Pike

November 29, 2011

So young, and so sad. I can't imagine losing a child.

steve and suzie scherz

November 29, 2011

We will always remember you and the joy you brought to everything you did . It was wonderful watching you grow into a fine young man Joe. Pat, Jan and Richard our hearts ache for you...

Wendy Van Antwerp

November 29, 2011

What a beautiful life.I can see that Joe loved,helped and encouraged so many lives. His goodness will live on through the hearts that he touched. My love and support goes out to his family.

Thomas Candelario

November 29, 2011

What a pleasure is was to know Joe. Your enthusiasm for the game of baseball and the love you showered on the team are treasured memories. Joe's good nature and the smiling faces of Jan and Pat made losing a baseball game to Liberty County like losing one to your own family. And no one loses when it's all family. God Bless you always.

Dick and Cheryl Peluso

November 29, 2011

Dick and I knew Joe to be happy and smiling alot. He used to love to play baseball in the street and Joe, his brother, his Mom and Dad always seem so close knit, and such a great family.
You are all in my hearts,our thoughts, and our prayers in this most sorrowful time of loss. We will miss seeing Joe's friendly smile.

Roscoe Wells

November 29, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Watkins family during this sad time. Joe was one the elite players in his age group. As a former coach, I look back on how humble he and his parents were in reference to his abilities. Joe--I know you'll get a game going in heaven! The Wells family

Marquess Smith

November 29, 2011

Joe Watkins you were a good dude and im still sorry i didnt get to know you more everyone misses you dude. Rest In Peace

Mariann Rogers

November 29, 2011

Keeping your family in our prayers.

Anthony Johnson

November 29, 2011

I had the opportunity to teach Joe while he was in the 8th grade at Midway Middle School. He was a bright student with a great attitude. He definitely brought joy to anyone that crossed his path. I will treasure his memory forever.

The Adams Family

November 29, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family, I only met Joe a couple of times when he would come by the house with Michelle. He was a good kid and he will be missed greatly.

Jeff Whitten

November 29, 2011

This is just so sad. I still remember Joe as a rambunctious little kid you just couldn't help but like. My prayers are with all of you ...

November 29, 2011

Joe-Joe...Curtis and I always remember your visits as a child and how you always made us laugh. I am so thankful for those memories and look forward to seeing you again. Watkins family, I am at a loss for words. I know there is nothing for me to say that will make your loss easier. Sending you a huge loving hug and keeping you in prayers.
Johanna (Jo) Aguirre (Yuma, Arizona)

Barbara Wixon

November 29, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone of you. May God comfort you and bring you peace.

Travis Ferrell

November 29, 2011

Joe was a special friend of mine we grew up together had a lot of good times and memories im still in shock over the tragedy but i know its true he was an awesome guy would do anything for anyone in his power he will always be in my prayers but i know hes up in heaven play en base ball rite on thew it was his destiny and he will never be for gotten i miss him already more and more everyday he will always be a specia person in my eyes.

Jerri Rodgers and family

November 29, 2011

Blessings and Love....Thoughts and Prayers

Sheri Burnett

November 29, 2011

Hearts and prayers with the Watkins family. He was an awesome person. Now he is with the Angels playing ball.

Lillian Gray

November 29, 2011

Pat, Jan and Richard,

There are no words I or anyone can say, but you are in my thoughts and my prayers.

robin brown

November 29, 2011

i was soooo shock to hear about ( joe ) i remember him when he played ball wit my son ( cameron ) iam so sorry for the familys loss . i will keep u all in my prayers and i know tht joe is with god now rest on we will see u again .

Melissa Alewine

November 29, 2011

Oh Mr. Watkins and family, I am so sorry to hear of this. Your family is in my thoughts. What an impossible loss to have.

Cindy Homberger

November 29, 2011

Such a special young man Joe must have been to have touched so many hearts and lives in the short time he was given here. This is one angel who will be sorely missed forever, and whose memories will also linger forever in the hearts of all who knew him. Even in the hearts who didn't. God bless you, Joe Watkins.

eugene and sandra whitten

November 29, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

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