William Henry “Bill” Watkins, Jr., 76, of Beaumont, stepped into heaven on January 4, 2012.
Bill was born October 29, 1935, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The eldest of six children of Bill and Bessie Mae Watkins, he was an honor student at South Park High School. He went on to attend Texas A&M University, where he was a member of outfit AAA of the Corp of Cadets.
Bill Watkins was a born leader with a brilliant mind and a caring, generous heart. He respected people for who they were, and they respected him. Also known as “Hat,” Bill had experience as a manager of a poultry farm, electrician, carpenter, auto sales, shrimp boat owner, founder and owner of Watkins Company in Beaumont, co-owner of ACI Building Systems, Inc., in Batesville, Mississippi, and founder and owner of Precision Steel Buildings. As the ultimate entrepreneur, Bill worked endless hours for the success of the many organizations with which he was involved. Family and friends meant the world to Bill and he often looked out for others in unexpected ways. He was quick to notice if someone was in need and would always lend a helping hand or kind word. Every day, even after a long day’s work, he baked cakes to give to people. Bill was an excellent cook who delighted in serving others special delicacies that only he could conjure up. His love and compassion will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.
Bill Watkins was also an avid sportsman who loved hunting and fishing. He was a great marksman and earned many trophies to show for his adventures. Hunting and fishing with his family and friends included trips all over the United States, Canada, Alaska, Cuba, and the Panama Canal. When Bill was in his fifty’s, he decided to pursue his childhood dream of flying. He rapidly progressed through flight school, acquired his pilot license, and enjoyed getting places quickly while exploring the wild blue yonder.
Survivors include his wife of thirty-nine years, Margie Watkins of Beaumont; his daughter, Jo Lynn Leal and her husband, Steve of Vidor; his daughter, Lorraine Davenport and her husband, Mike of Silsbee; his son, Charlie Watkins and his wife, Darcie of China; his son, Billy Baird and his wife, Carla of Beaumont; and his son, Mark Baird of Beaumont; twelve grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brothers, Jim Watkins and Tom Watkins of Beaumont; sister, Peggy Martin of Friendswood; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his sons, Michael Watkins and Bobby Watkins; his parents, Bill and Bessie Mae Watkins; and his brothers, Larry Watkins and Terry Watkins.
A gathering of his family and friends will be 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., Saturday, January 7, 2012, followed by a Celebration of Life beginning at 3:00 p.m. at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Sunday, January 8, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. a funeral service will be held at First United Methodist Church, 306 North Adams Street, Welsh, Louisiana, with interment to follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, Welsh, Louisiana.
The family has requested in lieu of flowers that a donation be made to the Bill Watkins Memorial Fund, Wells Fargo Bank, 8255 Gladys Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77706. Continuing in Bill’s desire to help others, the fund will be used to help a local charity.
