Edward M. Watkins, CLU
Passed away September 22, 2018 after a long battle with metastatic prostate cancer. Ed was born on August 15, 1946 to Edward and Ruth Watkins in Arlington, VA. He was a two-year starter for the W&L High School football team before graduating in 1964 and taking his talents to Frederick College in Portsmouth, VA. While there he met and fell in love with Rita Wagner Watkins. After graduating in 1968, he and Rita married August 17, 1968 and settled in the northern Virginia area. He graduated the University of Maryland MBA program in 1970 and began his life's work by joining Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company. His long list of professional accomplishments include achieving Life Leaders, Life Masters, Blue-Chip Council and ELIF status, a 41-year membership in the MDRT, membership in the Show "n' Tell National Study Group, and facilitating the merger of Connecticut Mutual and MassMutual Life Insurance companies as a member of the Agents' Advisory Association. On August 17, 2018 Ed and Rita celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows and celebrating with family and friends. The day was one of the happiest moments of his life. Ed leaves behind his wife Rita Wagner Watkins; his children Kathleen (Pete) Shaw, Virginia (Darryl) Russo, Paul (Kerri) Watkins, Edward (Allison) Watkins; 10 grandchildren, and his sister Elizabeth (Dennis) Fisher. Memorial services will be held at Christ United Methodist Church, 1512 Churchville Avenue, Staunton, VA 24401 on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow. The family appreciates your condolences and asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Christ United Methodist Church.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Sep. 23, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for EDWARD WATKINS

31 Entries

Cindy Jacques

October 9, 2018

I'd like to offer Ed's family, friends and clients my sincere sympathy in the loss of a well-respected and thoughtful gentleman who performed important work and contributed a great service to his community. I always enjoyed seeing and saying hello at Leaders. He will be missed. Blessings.

bill & diane kalmer

September 28, 2018

we want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers as we reflect on the many happy memories we have of the trips we took together over the past 40 years--ed was the best!!

Tim Danehower

September 26, 2018

Rita & the Watkins family,

I am sorry for your loss. Ed's work ethic and business acumen were a significant positive influence on my career.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

William Hulvey

September 26, 2018

RITA AND FAMILY - So sorry to hear of Ed's passing. May God's blessings be upon you and your family in this time of sorrow and loss and may His eternal peace be in your hearts.

Al Smuzynski

September 24, 2018

Rita and family. My condolences. Rest in peace, Ed.

Carmen Russo

September 24, 2018

We are here for you in any way we can help you through this sad time. Ed will be missed, but know that your separation is temporary in God's eyes. Blessings for the whole family.

September 24, 2018

Sending my sincere condolences to the family. May the God of comfort give you strength and peace during this difficult time. -Psalm 29:11

a loved one

Sent Flowers

September 24, 2018

To Rita Watkins & Family

We are deeply saddened by your loss. Ed was a good friend for many years. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Jesse and Carol Evans

September 24, 2018

To Rita and the family:

We are so sorry to read of your loss. We have you and the family in our thoughts & prayers.

Gayland & Diane Davis

Tom Henske

September 24, 2018

I spent time with Ed once a year at MassMutual Leaders Conference. He was a Past President of the AAX which I became many years after him. I always respected those that had come before me and the trail that they blazed to give me the career I have today. It was strong leaders like Ed that set the tone of how we were to conduct ourselves not only within our individual practices, but throughout our tenure with the AAX. Love to the family as we honor his legacy.

Scott Curran

September 24, 2018

To: Rita and the Watkins Family
Our deepest condolences to you. Ed was a wonderful man and such an important part of the MassMutual and AAX families. We hope that a lifetime of memories helps you through this difficult period.
Scott & Lucy Curran

Paul Schulz

September 24, 2018

Rest in peace my fraternity brother were there is no pain or sorry.

Carol Schafer

September 24, 2018

Rita, Betty, Children: I'm so sorry for your loss.
Carol

Bob and Janis Lamoreaux

September 24, 2018

Rita,
Ed's input and leadership was invaluable to our organization. Janis and I will always be proud to call you colleagues, but most of all, friends.

September 24, 2018

To: Rita all the Watkins family,
Patti and I are thinking of you and pray for your peace in this time of sorrow. Ed was a great friend and an eminent peer in our industry.
May God bless you all and care for you ever more.
Patti & Barry Hardy.

Bob and Pat Weatherly

September 24, 2018

so sorry for your loss, Ed was a lifelong friend and will be missed....praying for all the family

Patricia Dekkers

September 24, 2018

My sincere condolences to the Watkins family. May you find peace in the days ahead.

Ramona Barrett

September 24, 2018

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

Andrea and Jack Boone

September 23, 2018

Jack and I send our condolences on your loss.

The Vespa Family

September 23, 2018

This is our wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, Love to complete your life.
The Vespa Family

Larry and Ann RIcke

September 23, 2018

RIta and family, Ed was a gift from God and we know that you will miss him very much. We will keep all of you in our prayers

September 23, 2018

Rita and family, so sorry to learn of Ed's passing.
I worked with Jerry and enjoyed helping Ed over the years with MassMutual. My prayers are for you and
your family for peace during this difficult time.
Beth Oravec, former MM associate.

George& Phyllis Whitley

September 23, 2018

Rita, what sad news about Ed. You are certainly in our thoughts today and in the future as you make such a large adjustment. Sorry that we lost touch over the years, but memories are still alive and well. Please give our best wishes to your kids as well

Gerry Hamilton

September 23, 2018

So sorry for your loss, Rita. Gerry Hamilton

Tish Kuhn

September 23, 2018

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

Paula Ryan

September 22, 2018

Dear Rita, Kathleen, Ginny, Paul, Edward and family, My love and prayers are with you all during such a fragile time. Eds greatest accomplishment was his family. He was so proud of you all and loved you unconditionally. May you cherish those memories to give you strength, comfort and peace. Ed loved helping his clients to secure their financial and families future. Most of Eds clients became his personal friends. He always loved a challenge. Reading, learning and gaining knowledge stimulated his personal growth. He earned self respect thru his accomplishments, he was a born leader. He was willing to help everyone he had the pleasure of meeting him professionals and personally. I for one, feel blessed and grateful having the pleasure of working with him for many years. Most of all honored to call him my friend. He will always have a special place in my heart. Today my friend, God grant you peace, love and comfort with the angels. I will miss you and be blessed to share many memories of you with those you loved. Dance with grace, rest in the warmth of the angels. Love you!

Jane and John Linscott

September 22, 2018

Rita. There are no words. You are strong and you have a wonderful family and plenty of great memories. We so appreciate your call last night to let us know about Ed in advance. Would love to have you come visit in Ft Myers this winter when you are ready. This is truly sad. Ed was such a kind and gentle man. We will miss him.

Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results