Robert Jackson Watkins

Robert Jackson Watkins, 79, life partner of 25 years to Kathy Baker, entered into his eternal rest Monday night, September 18, 2023 at Piedmont Hospital in Augusta. Services to celebrate his life will be held in the James Funeral Home Chapel at 3:00PM Sunday afternoon, September 24, 2023 with the Reverend Mike Thigpen and Pastor Butler officiating.  The family will receive friends from 4:00-5:00PM after the services.

Born in Bulloch County to the late Luna Juanita Herringdine Williams Watkins and the late Robert Lewis Watkins, Robert grew up in Louisville and attended Louisville Academy where he played football. A patriot, he joined the Army at the age of 17. At the age of 20 in 1964 while stationed at Ft. Knox, he married and started his family. After his stint in the Army, he worked as a diesel mechanic for International Harvester in Louisville KY. He moved his family to Wrens in 1977 where he worked at Air Balance.  He began his career as a Correction Officer with the Jefferson County Prison, retiring with 19 years of service at the age of 56 due to becoming physically disabled with COPD.  Robert experienced a divorce in 1996 and moved with his life partner to Harlem in 1999 and later to Appling in 2014.  A hard worker, he often worked two or three jobs in order to provide for his family.  In Robert’s spare time, he raised chickens.  He LOVED chickens and working with them calmed him and gave him great joy. Robert has been described as being a strict disciplinarian, as having a great sense of humor and loving to joke and laugh, and one who was very friendly and who never met a stranger.  He was also willing to help anyone in need, even strangers who he saw needed assistance. Robert had a great love for his family who filled his heart to overflowing. He trusted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and was a past member of Stapleton Baptist Church and Wrens Baptist Church. No one can fill the void Robert’s passing has left in our hearts, but we cling to the hope of his having a new, pain-free body in his eternal home in Heaven where he is now experiencing true joy, peace and love.

Robrt was also preceded in death by his siblings, Lynda D. Dumas, James H. Watkins, Alberta Watkins and Marshall Watkins. Others left to cherish his memories include his children, Melissa W. Verboom (Martin), Bobby Watkins (Jennifer), David Scott Watkins, Jonathan Mark Watkins (Carla), Michelle Vineyard (Larry), Sara Partridge (Henry), and Debbie Sievert; three siblings, Tommy Watkins, Rosa Lou DeBaere and Kenneth Watkins (Jackie); eighteen (18) grandchildren; nine (9) great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

Because of the financial burden created by his prolonged illness, the family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made directly to James Funeral Home by clicking the link below or mailing a check to PO Box 588, Wrens GA 30833.

https://www.jamesfhwrens.com/resources/make-a-payment