David Watkins

David Watkins, 71, (June 25, 1937- January 31, 2009) was born in Douglass, Texas to Katie and Buren Watkins. He graduated from Quitman HS in East Texas in 1955 then attended college at Stephen F. Austin, Nacogdoches. He married the love of his life in 1959 and they soon moved to Austin where they raised their 4 beloved children. David became involved in the insurance business where he was able, through hard work and diligence to become a longtime partner in an agency then eventually the sole owner. His vision as a businessman always looked to the future with optimism and the hope to perpetuate the business for others to come along and be given an opportunity to succeed. His strong character, integrity and perseverance have now brought his vision to fruition with many family members, longtime family friends and others enjoying the satisfaction of working at Watkins Insurance Group in a positive and successful business. Truly, the passion that kept his fire burning was to help others in times of need and to encourage everyone he knew to reach for the stars and never, ever quit. Many remember him saying that in life you need someone to love, something to do and something to look forward to. David deeply loved his family and spent much time with his precious grandchildren in his later years. He enjoyed being able to continue to work in the family business until recently when he began a battle with lung cancer. Despite the health challenges he was fighting he always looked forward to the times he could spend at his deer lease in South Texas and be refreshed in the beauty of God's creation that he referred to as the Great Outdoors. Tragically, yet mercifully, his life ended unexpectedly when his weakened immune system could not overcome an aggressive pneumonia that invaded his lung. He died peacefully, surrounded by his family that loved him dearly and will miss him greatly every day. The family takes great comfort knowing that he trusted Jesus with his life at a young age and has now received a new and glorified body that will endure perfectly for eternity. He is in the presence of the Almighty! He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Donnie and Paul Watkins. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carolyn Watkins; Children: Stephen Watkins, Sharon Jamail and husband David, Jennifer Watkins, Patrick Watkins and wife Misty; Grandchildren: Grace, Rosey, Annabel and Clara Jamail and Landon, Luke (Augie), Lily and Lawson Watkins; Nephews: Rodney, Ricky and Russell Watkins, Clark Chrietzberg, Marcus Pless, Thomas Gardner and Fletcher Thomas; Nieces: Rae Blevins, Suzy Rowley, Donna and Sheryll Watkins, Allison Pless, Melissa Stephenson, Stephanie Chrietzberg and Beth Fischer; Sisters: Laura Pless and Sandra Chrietzberg; Special family friends: Michael Rodriguez and Staci Singleton along with a host of other dear friends. Honorary pall bearers are Dr. L.E. Arnold, Ed Gardner, Frank Hemphill, Bob Kuhn, Franklin Schirpik and Dr. George Shannan. The funeral service will be held at 11:00am, Wednesday, February 4th at Westlake Bible Church, 9300 Bee Cave Rd, Austin, Texas, officiated by Matt Freeman. A lunch reception will follow immediately. The body will lie in state at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 North Lamar Blvd. from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Monday, February 2nd and from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 3rd. Memorial donations may be made to The Austin Children's Shelter at www.austinchildrenshelter.org or P.O. Box 684213, Austin, TX 78768-4213.