This man, Papa, as I called him, worked hard all his life to earn the intimacy of those names. He was a loving husband, doting father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, dedicated provider, storyteller, and servant of Jesus Christ.
He leaves each of us with the gift of his example: love deeply and commit yourself to being present in your loved ones’ lives. Papa knew the value of hard work, but he always made time to be there for his family and church. Speaking from the perspective of his granddaughter, it is a privilege to be able to look back through my whole life and find memories of Papa’s love, attention, and good example. It is the simple things that really add up: the time at the kitchen table watching you administer your shot; the smell of your Old Spice on the way out the door for church; sitting on the back porch in the sticky South Carolina air with you, aunts, uncles, and cousins; the pop of your recliner as you sat up to give hugs; the sound of your whistling you gave to fussy babies; the scratch up your stubble as we said goodbye; the appetency for Texas Pete on just about everything.
That’s what the ones who leave the biggest marks on our lives do; they live forever with us in our experiences.
Rest In Peace in Heaven with Nana, dear Papa. You gave this life all you had by living it to its fullest. Thank you for filling our lives with your love and your presence.
Clyde was predeceased by his loving wife Ann B. Watkins and He is survived by his children: Martin Watkins III (Vicki), David Watkins (Karen), Kathy Thompson (Charlie Robert), Beverly Harris (John), and Nancy Watkins; 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
A funeral service and visitation will be held in the Chapel at Mackey Funerals & Cremations at Woodlawn Memorial Park on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at 12:00PM. A committal will follow the service in Woodlawn Memorial Park.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.woodlawn-fh.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.3