John Larry Watkins, the son of Adrian and Margaret (Robinson) Watkins, was born May 17, 1946, in Bethune, South Carolina. He departed this life to be with the Lord on May 11, 2013, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, at the age of 66 years, 11 months and 24 days.

On January 28, 1972, John and Patsy Leming were united in marriage in Immokalee, Florida. They made their home in Florida until 1986 when they moved to Stilwell.

John worked as a ranch foreman for Jerry Means for many years. He enjoyed riding horses, roping, watching football games of his favorite team, the Miami Dolphins and hunting in his younger years. John was a loving husband and father who loved helping other people.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Wayne Watkins.

His surviving family includes, his wife of 41 years, Patsy Watkins, of the home; three sons, John Keith Watkins and wife, Jamie, Brian Adrian, and wife, Racheal, all of Stilwell, and Eddie Watkins, of Belton, TX; one daughter, Alicha Bell, of Texas; two sisters, Gay Stephens and husband, Jim, of Bethune, SC, Diane Rogers and husband, Hardie, of Cassett, SC; three brothers, Jimmy Watkins and wife, Julia, of Bethune, SC, Gary Watkins, of Jefferson, SC, Basil Watkins and wife, Doshia, of Patrick, SC, seven grandchildren, Matthew, Rennie, Stella, Hailey, Josh, Chase and Kelsey.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 16, 2013, at Hart Memorial Chapel. Services are entrusted to the care of Hart Funeral Home of Stilwell.