Howard Watkins

Howard “Gene” Watkins passed away on March 18, 2021 at the age of 79. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Ruby Watkins; daughter, Rita Watkins and stillborn son Paul Jason Watkins.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Watkins; sister, Shirley (Charles) Ramsey; daughters, Tina (Steve) Ward, Vickie (Donnie) Thomas, Brandy (Nathan) Rhea, Cindy Anderson, Dena (Michael) Clayton, Ronda (Mark) Smith and Debbie (Donnie) Veach; sons, Shannon (Susan) Watkins and George (Mandy) Humphryes; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved with his whole heart. He was loved dearly and will be missed greatly.

He was a patriot who loved and served his country during war and peace times in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army. His service is being honored with a final salute by the U.S. Honor Guard. He was a man of integrity and exhibited a strong work ethic. He was a Master Electrician by trade and an expert in his field.

The family will receive guests at Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home on Monday, March 22, 2021 beginning at 1:00 p.m. Graveside service and interment will follow at Pineview Memory Gardens at 2:00 p.m. The graveside service will be live streamed at http://watchlawrence.live via the funeral home's Facebook page for those who are unable to attend in person.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Selma American Legion, Post 20; P.O. Box 123, Selma, AL, 36702.