Jack Watkins, age 86 of Smithville, passed away Tuesday night, May 7, 2019 at St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital ER of a sudden illness.  He was a faithful member of the Smithville First Baptist Church, a U.S. Air Force and Navy Veteran and retired from Lifeway Christian Resources as an Account Receivables Manager. Jack loved walking and running.

He was born September 22, 1932 to his parents, the late Doyle D. and Clyda Evelyn Lawrence Watkins.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a step-son, Johnny Barry and brother, Wesley Watkins. 

He leaves to cherish his memory, his  wife of 38 years, Frankie Watkins of Smithville, daughter, Danita (Claude) Baham of Lilburn, GA; step-daughter, Melissa (Eddie) Branscomb of Clemons, NC; granddaughter, Julia Baham and grandson Joshua Baham; 8 step-grandchildren and 11 step-great-grandchildren; 3 brothers, Wallace Watkins of Illinois, Lawrence Watkins and Richard Watkins both of Arkansas; sister, Millicent Willbrand of Illinois. 

Funeral service was conducted Saturday, May 11, 2019 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Chad Ramsey officiating. Burial followed in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. 

Pallbearers included Mike Braswell, Larry Redmon, David Terrell, Josh Branscomb, Jonathan Barry, Michael Branscomb, Joel Branscomb, and Ben Branscomb.

DeKalb Funeral Chapel, Smithville, was in charge of the arrangements.