Russell (Russ) Watkins' Obituary
Russell (Russ) Watkins Jr., 82, went to be with his Lord on February 8, 2015 after a 13 year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Born June 17, 1932 in Wilkes-Barre,PA to Russell Watkins Sr. and Bertha Youngblood Watkins. Preceded in death by his parents; son, Raymond Watkins; sister, Anna Mae Reilly; brother, Bert Watkins. Survived by wife of 59 years, Doris Kendig Watkins; son, Eugene Watkins and wife, Jan Watkins of Temple, TX; daughter, Janet Watkins of Garland, TX; grandson, Jordan Watkins of Houston, TX; granddaughter, Whitley Campbell of Temple, TX; sister, Carol Gibbs of Lake Ariel, PA; brother John Watkins of Wilkes-Barre, PA; and numerous nieces and nephews. Russ proudly served with the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Monterey during the Korean war, 1950-1954. After honorable discharge, he was employed by U.S.Rubber Co.,Passaic, NJ. He worked for Gould Inc, aka GNB Technologies, Exide Technologies. Russ was then transferred to Dallas TX, in 1971 as a Production Manager in the automotive battery division and retired from Exide June 30, 1994. He has resided in Garland, TX for 44 years. Russ formerly served as a Deacon at First Presbyterian Church of Garland. After his retirement he volunteered with Meals on Wheels and with Baylor Medical Center Garland with over 7,000 hours of service. Family would like to thank the staff at Clyde W. Cosper Texas State Veterans Home in Bonham, TX for their loving care of Russ over the past 5 years. Memorial service to be held at First Presbyterian Church , 930 W. Ave B, Garland TX 75040 at 2 p.m. on February 14, 2015, Pastor Paul Burns officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church Garland and/or The Alzheimer’s Association at 4144 N. Central Expwy, Ste 750. Dallas, Texas 75204
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