George Morris Watkins

George Morris Watkins, 86, of Baytown, went to be with the Lord, Friday, September 21, 2012. He was born on July 22, 1926, in Bedias, TX. George was a devoted husband and loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to all who knew him. George was a member of Wooster Baptist Church. He loved fishing, hunting, and working in the yard. George never met a stranger, he was friendly and outgoing. He will be remembered for enjoying one of his favorite activities mowing with his John Deere tractor and giving all the grandkids and great grandkids tractor rides. He dearly loved his family but his greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren and they all loved their Papa.

George was a long time Baytown resident and as a young adult worked on offshore rigs for Humble Oil and Refining. Later in life, he owned and operated several service stations in Baytown. He retired as a maintenance supervisor for Austin Industries. During his retirement years he enjoyed traveling with his wife Sara, sister-in-law Ora Mae, and brother-in-law and great friend Chester Hood.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Sara June Watkins; son, George Brent Watkins; parents, T.R. and Ordrey Watkins; brother, R.D. Watkins; and sisters, Gruthie Mae Rigby and Mary Frances Watkins.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Steve Watkins and Lisa Payne Watkins, daughter, Donna Watkins Swope, and daughter-in law, Judy Watkins Bennett and husband Michael Bennett, all of Baytown; sisters-in-law, Ora Mae Hood of Lago Vista and Virginia Watkins of Houston; 9 grandchildren, Melissa Watkins of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Brandon Watkins of Baytown; Ryan Watkins of San Marcos; Shane Swope and wife Dana of League City, Brent Watkins and wife Kathy of San Diego, CA, Cody Watkins and wife Brittany Marie of Belton, Brittany Rae Watkins of Baytown, Kortnie Bennett of San Antonio, and Cody Bennett of Baytown; 8 great grandchildren, Christopher, Katelyn June Marie and Cameron Glasser of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Brenden Swope, Corryn and Rilyn Aune of League City, River Watkins of San Diego, CA, Aubrie Valez of San Antonio; and many nieces and nephews.

His family will receive friends Monday at Navarre Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Navarre Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 25, 2012. Burial will follow at White Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Brandon Watkins, Ryan Watkins, Shane Swope, Brent Watkins, Cody Watkins, and Michael Bennett. Honorary pallbearer will be Brenden Swope.

His family would like to express their gratitude to Judy Watkins Bennett, nurses, Veronica and Erin, and the staff at the Hospice Compassus for the love, kindness and tender care provided to our dear father, grandfather, brother and uncle. In addition, we express our appreciation to our family, friends, and neighbors for the support provided during this very difficult time.

To view the online obituary or to post a tribute for the family, go to www.navarrefuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX, 77521 (281) 422-8111.