Billy J. Watkins

Billy J. Watkins, 81, departed this life to be with our Lord and Savior on Sunday, December 6, 2015. He was born May 24, 1934 in DeWitt, Arkansas to James and Mattie Watkins. He was a devoted husband, father and grandpa who loved his family dearly and was a member of First Baptist Church, DeWitt. After Discharge from the Army in 1958, he rejoined Kroger Grocery Company and was transferred to a Little Rock store as a produce manager and in short time to Hamburg as the store manager. In 1963 he returned to DeWitt and began farming. He began his career with the Pillsbury Company in 1982 as a rice mill superintendent and later retired in February 1996. He enjoyed wood working, gardening and spending time with his family. Billy was preceded in death by his parents, and infant son, Myron and a sister, Shirley. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Kay Trussell Watkins; sons Mark (Cathy) and James (Dawn) both of DeWitt; four grandchildren: Luke Watkins (Gina), Jerrod Watkins (Leslie), Lauryn Tacker (Will), and Erin Watkins; three great-grandchildren: Dylan Watkins, Larsey Watkins and Reid Tacker. He is also survived by a sister, Gladys Hearn of DeWitt. Memorial services will be Friday, December 11th at 10:30 a.m. with visitation preceding the service at 10 a.m. at Essex Funeral Home. essexfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers memorials my be made to the donor's charity of choice.