May 8, 2019
Jack Watkins age 86 of Smithville, passed away Tuesday night, May 7, 2019 at St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital ER of a sudden illness. He was born September 22, 1932 to his parents, the late Doyle D. and Clyda Evelyn Lawrence Watkins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a step-son, Johnny Barry and brother, Wesley Watkins. Jack was a faithful member of the Smithville First Baptist Church, a U.S. Air Force and Navy Veteran and retired from Lifeway Christian Resources as an Account Receivables Manager. Jack love walking and running. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 38 years, Frankie Watkins of Smithville, daughter, Danita (Claude) Baham of Lilburn, GA; step-daughter, Melissa (Eddie) Branscomb of Clemons, NC; granddaughter, Julia Baham and grandson Joshua Baham; 8 step-grandchildren and 11 step-great-grandchildren; 3 brothers, Wallace Watkins of Illinois, Lawrence Watkins and Richard Watkins both of Arkansas; sister, Millicent Willbrand of Illinois. Funeral services will be conducted 3 p.m. Saturday, May 11, 2019 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Chad Ramsey officiating and burial will follow in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Visitation with the family will be on Saturday 12 Noon until the time of the service at 3 p.m. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.