Samuel Watkins, Jr.
(July 23, 1924 - April 11, 2011)

Maj. Samuel Reece Watkins, Jr. (Ret.), 86, died Monday, April 11, 2011. He was born July, 23, 1924, son of Samuel Reece and Katie Butler Watkins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Grover, Vernon “Jiggs”, Orvillle “Red”, and Harold Watkins, and one sister, Iris Lee Washington. A World War II Veteran, he flew B-29 missions over Japan. Serving in the U. S. Air Force Reserves, he retired as Major, serving for 26 years. Sam retired as Lieutenant from the Huntington Police Department, where he served as Chief Detective, and head of the Juvenile Bureau. He retired to go to work for the WV State Supreme Court of Appeals, as a Juvenile Probation officer. Sam was a member of the International Order of Odd Fellows, and served as Chaplain, a Life member of the VFW, post # 9738. He was also a member of the East Huntington Lions Club, Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels and Gideon’s International. In addition to his civic activities, Sam was a member of the YMCA for over 50 years, and was an avid swimmer. He was a longtime member and Deacon Emeritus at Fellowship Baptist Church and served as President of his Sunday School class. Sam is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Betty J. Watkins and three children and their spouses, Rick V. Watkins (Martine), Kathy Watkins Kirby,( Jack), and Sam R. Watkins, III (Terry). He is also survived by six grandchildren, Michelle Watkins Dearth, (Dan), Joel Kirby, Kristi Kirby, Shelley Watkins Porter (Brandon). Lyndsey Watkins, Samuel Reece Watkins, IV. Sam is survived by one brother and sister-in-law, William “Bill” and Charlene Watkins, of High Ridge, MO, and one sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Joe Hutchison, of Greenup, KY. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM, Thursday, April 14, 2011 at Fellowship Baptist Church, Barboursville, WV, with Dr. Paul S. Warren and Dr. Jerry Warren officiating. Burial will be in White Chapel Memorial Gardens, Barboursville, WV. Friends may call at Chapman’s Mortuary from 5 pm until 8 pm, Wednesday, April 13, 2011, and after 12 Noon Thursday at the church.. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Gideon’s International, or the Fellowship Baptist Church Building Fund, 3661 Rt. 60 E., Barboursville, WV, 25504. Military Graveside Honors will be given by the U. S. Air Force Honor Guard from Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH.