Willie Lee Watkins

Willie Lee Watkins, a loving and kind husband, father, grandfather and friend to many, passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on August 6, 2020, surrounded by his children.

Willie was born to William and Minnie Watkins in Winnsboro, TX on February 3, 1921. In 1942, at the age of 21 he joined the US Army Air Force and was a crew chief for the B-29 aircraft. He was a true patriot and a proud veteran of World War II. In 1946, he married Betty Huckeba and built a beautiful life with four loving children. They were married for 69 years. He worked for Vick Well Service for 10 years and Renshaw Well Service for 33 years. He retired at the age of 60. He was an active member of Pine Street Baptist Church and a faithful member of the American Legion Post 340. He was an avid walker who put in miles daily around town up into his 90s. He would stop at various businesses to rest and drink coffee. His favorite place to visit became his second home, First National Bank of Winnsboro. He loved all the employees there and spent many hours visiting with friends and fellow coffee drinkers. Willie was a “one of a kind” guy. He embraced everyone he met with a hug, a smile, a story, and endless optimism. He never met a stranger. He will be sorely missed by his family, his church family -especially his Sunday School class “The Second Milers,” American Legion friends, and his buddies at First National Bank. Due to the love of Willie by Winnsboro citizens, Mayor Cameron Wilcox has proclaimed August 11, 2020, to be Willie Watkins Day for the city of Winnsboro. A wonderful tribute for a wonderful man.

Willie was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Watkins, parents William Branta and Minnie Idella Watkins, brothers Aaron Watkins, Cecil Watkins, Loy Watkins and sisters Dorothy Williams, Mildred Blount, Betty Little, and Margaret Hart.

He is survived by his daughter, Vickie Forgy, and husband, Phil of Winnsboro, sons Billy Watkins of Quitman, David Watkins of Winnsboro, and Danny Watkins of Corinth. He was a proud grandfather to Mark Watkins, Michael Watkins, Stacy Mullinax, Kristen Scavuzzo, Jamie Gibbon, David Watkins and Kasey Bigler. Willie had multiple great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A military service will be held at Beaty Funeral Home in Winnsboro on Tuesday, August 11, 2020, at 10:00am with Brother Charles Ethridge officiating. Burial will be at the Hopewell Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, August 10, 2020, at Beaty Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made to the GAs and RAs of Pine Street Baptist Church because of his enduring love for children.