Thomas Watkins

Thursday, January 10, 2008

SUN CITY CENTER, Fla. -- Thomas Ernest Watkins, 82, formerly of Dexter, Mo., and Sikeston, Mo., died Jan. 9, 2008, at Blake Hospital in Bradenton.

Born March 5, 1925, in Conway County, Ark., son of the late Harrison and May Wilson Watkins, he was employed for 33 years at AC Spark Plug Auto Parts Manufacturing Company in Michigan, where he and his wife lived for 51 years before moving to Florida in 2000.

On Aug. 13, 1949, in Morrilton, Ark., he married Lillian Chism, who survives of the home.

Other survivors include: two daughters, Linda Reynolds of Riverview and Very Kay Watkins of Mt. Morris, Mich.; three brothers, Doyne Hood of Waxhaw, N.C., Leonard Watkins of Essex, Mo., and Leon Watkins of Marston, Mo.; and four grandchildren.

Two sons preceded him in death.

Visitation is from 2 to 4 p.m. today at Sun City Center Funeral Home in Florida.

A graveside service will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday at Memorial Park Cemetery in Sikeston. The Rev. Steve Tippen, pastor of North Acres General Baptist Church of Sikeston, will officiate.

Nunnelee Funeral Chapel of Sikeston is in charge of local arrangements.