Donald Edward Watkins passed away on September 5, 2017 at Atria East Cobb in Marietta, Georgia. Don will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his son, James Edward (Jay) Watkins III. Don was born in DeKalb County on May 30, 1938, to Mary and Jim Watkins, both deceased. He graduated from Southwest DeKalb High School in 1958 after earning a military scholarship to Auburn University. After graduation, Don entered the United States Navy, where he was honored to be one of the first four pilots selected to fly the F-4 Phantom jet from an aircraft carrier in the Vietnam War. After serving 5 years in the Navy, Don became a pilot with Delta Air Lines. He was a very happy member of the Delta family for over 30 years before his retirement in 1997. He and Jay continued to travel extensively together to many beautiful places, his favorite being Hawaii. Don wished to be cremated and have his ashes scattered in Hawaiian waters by Jay and others who loved him. This will be his memorial service.