William (Bill) Eugene Watkins, MSGT, USAF Retired, went to his Heavenly Home on July 15, 2020 at the age 83 in his home in Long Beach, MS. The Riemann Family Funeral Home is serving the family. A memorial service will be held at the Holly Springs Funeral Home in Holly Springs, MS on July 31, 2020 at 3:00 p.m.
William was born on November 7, 1936 in Iuka, MS to the parents of James (Jack) Willard and Mary Elizabeth Watkins. William was preceded in death by his parents, sister Ruth Edwards, brothers Floyd, Lloyd, James, Billy, Frankie Watkins.
William enlisted in the USAF in 1955. William graduated from the U.S. Air Forces Strategic Air Command Non-Commissioned Officer Academy. He served on many several bases and while he served in Vietnam he earned the Bronze Star Medal. William spent two years working with the U.S. for Navy Seabees on Guam as the U.S. Air Force Representative Civic Action Matters in the Pacific Islands. William finalized his military career as Unit 1st Sargent at Grand Forks A.F. Base, North Dakota.
After 20 years of serving his country, Willian retired and returned to civilian life. In North Mississippi, he established a successful business and worked for a local newspaper and became the author of a column called the “Marshal Viewpoint.”
William is survived by his beloved wife, Michele Susan Lord Watkins, one daughter, Janice M. Bonicelli (Joe) of Pinson, TN, a son Steven P. Watkins (Julie) of Gulfport, MS, and a stepson, Marcus Phelps (Wendy) of Pass Christian, MS. Also, surviving four grandchildren D.J. Wilkerson of Oxford, MS, Catherine (Nick) Congiardo of Jackson, TN, and Matthew Watkins and Anna Watkins of Memphis, TN. and three step grandchildren Caleb, Palmer and Jackson Phelps of Pass Christian, MS. Kade Congiardo of Jackson, TN, is Williams’ only great grandchild. He is also survived by two brothers, Roy (Shaunda) Watkins, Troy (Bobbie) Watkins, one sister-in-law, Diane Watkins and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his loving “Lord” family and his Mother-in-law, Connie Lord. William has loved and cherished many friendships. He loved his Colorado friends, Robert and Vicki Murphy.
“The best things in life are the people we love,
the places we have been,
and the memories we have made along the way.”
The family wants to thank Southern Care Hospice Services and our nurses, Chris and Candy for the wonderful care and support they received. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Salvation Army.
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