Earl Boyd Watkins

"A father loves with his heart, Provides with his hands, and leaves A legacy with His Life" Holley Gerth On Friday, July 15, 2011 our father Earl Boyd Watkins went home to be with the Lord and the love of his life, his wife Tempa. He was born May 9, 1927, the son of Aurthur and Flossie (Sanders) Watkins. He married Tempa Bahr in Benton on June 11, 1955 and they shared over 54 years of marriage. He was a member of the Johnston City United Pentecostal Church. He worked in the coal mines and then for Norge-Maytag for 37 years. He honorably served our country as a Fireman First Class in the US Navy during WWII. He was known for his ability to enjoy life, family and friends and for being a great story teller. He is survived by his four daughters and their husbands; Nancy and Clyde Hickey of Spillertown, Mildred and Loren Anderson of Thompsonville, Anita and Logan Anderson of Pittsburg, Ruth Jackie and Charles Moore of Herrin. 15 Grandchildren Jerry & Karen Hickey of Spillertown Joy and Marty Russell of Carterville Gary Hickey of Herrin Michael Hickey of Ireland Ellen & Mike Meece of Johnston City Boyd & Barbara Anderson of Pittsburg Lora & Mike Chamness of Creal Springs Donna Anderson of Thompsonville David & Valerie Anderson of Crab Orchard Kay Fleming of Johnston City Joann & Brian Tanner of Dykersburg Logan & Tammie Anderson of Bloomington Evelyn Stacy of Carterville Christy & Rick Walter of Royalton Amy & Heath Aldrich of Herrin 25 Great Grandchildren 3 Great Great Grandchildren Brother and friend Lynn Watkins of Marion Sisters Ruth and Amos Boyt of Marion, Naomie Turner of Marion, Margie and Robert Gore of Smithville, Missouri, Helen and Edward Holloman of Phoenix, Arizona, and Melanie and William Sutton of Orange Park, Florida and many nieces and nephews His close church friends Rev. Michael and Louann Glasco, George and Mary Ford, and Bill and Joanne Olsen and his daily prayer partners Rev. Glasco, Marion Burzynski and John Sprague. Boyd was preceded in death by his Parents, two brothers and sisters-in-laws, Roger and Katie Watkins, Aurthur Jr. and Hallie Watkins, and one brother-in-law, Francis Turner. Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion with Rev. Michael Glasco officiating. Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery in Marion. Visitation will be held from 5:00pm to 8:00pm on Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home.