Charles L. Watkins

Command Sergeant Major (Retired), CHARLES L. WATKINS, 86, went to be with the Lord on November 21, 2018, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born in Waldo, Arkansas to the late Mr. Dale L. Watkins and Mrs. Lois Retha Watkins. Charles graduated from Fairview High School in 1949. Upon graduation, he served his country for 26 years in the United States Army, which included deployments to both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. During his military service, he earned many honors and awards, including the Bronze Star Medal and Legion of Merit. He graduated with his Bachelor of Arts Degree in management in 1976 from Park College of Missouri. Upon retiring from the United States Army, he spent an additional 20 years working as a Medical Administrative Assistant for the Department of Veterans Affairs. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and a faithful member of Park Hill Baptist Church for 42 years. He was a kind, giving, and loving man who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and sports, especially College Basketball and the Razorbacks. His main priorities in life were his relationship with God and his family. He shared his faith in Christ with countless others as witnessed by his life. Left to cherish his memory is the love of his life of 66 years, Josie Mae (Butler) Watkins; his children, Robert D. Watkins; Shelia K. Schneider (Tommy); Charles R. Watkins (Rhonda); Sandra J. Elliott (Mike); Jerry A. Watkins (Tara). His siblings, brother; Bill Watkins (Ursula); sisters, Peggy Walthall (Bobby) and Ann Walker. He was an amazing Papaw to 12 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandson. He will be dearly missed by many. The family would like to thank the staff, Doctors, and Nurses of Baptist Springhill Intensive Care Unit for the compassionate care they provided. They were a blessing at a very difficult time. Visitation will be held at the Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St. on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 from 6:00-8:00 P.M. Charles' celebration of life will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at 11:30 A.M. with burial following at 1:00 P.M. at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Park Hill Baptist Church or to the Wounded Warrior Project. Online guest register at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.