Richard “Ricky” Wayne Watkins, 57, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away Friday, September 1, 2023. Rick was born in Murray, KY and spent his childhood growing up in Callaway County and Hazel, Kentucky. He graduated from high school in Murray, Kentucky in 1984.
In 2002, Rick moved to Nashville, where he worked at Realty Title and recently at Foundation Title & Escrow Series, LLC, as a title search manager. Rick loved animals, especially his pet bull dogs, Sugar and Diesel. He was an avid fan of the Tennessee Titans and the Nashville Predators. He also enjoyed traveling and frequently visited Palm Springs, Key West, and Santa Fe. He was an artist and very proud of his home which is show-room perfect and includes many pieces of his own personal artwork. He enjoyed helping friends and family in planning their important events and making people feel special. He particularly loved opening his lavishly decorated home for social events around birthdays, Halloween, and Christmas. Family and friends were important to Rick and he cherished every moment he spent with them. He will truly be missed.
Rick was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Helen Watkins; his grandmother, Effie Watkins; and his pet bull dogs, Sugar and Diesel. He is survived by many family and friends including but certainly not limited to, Betty Sutherland, Della Oliver, Rita McGuire, Carol Higbee, Richard Watkins, Wayne Watkins, James “Chip” Kellen, Morris Essary, Jeff Hall, Vickie Jackson, Amy Clayton Odom, Betty Jurnett, Danny Pruitt, Amy Tidwell, Rikk Kittleman, Kevin Lawson, Paul Driver, and Laura Lancaster.
A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held Wednesday, September 13, 2023 from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the Hibbett & Hailey Funeral Home, 429 Donelson Pike, Nashville, TN. A second visitation will be held Thursday, September 14, 2023 at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home, 201 S. 3rd Street, Murray, KY from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Graveside services will be held Friday, September 15, 2023 at the Bevil Cemetery, 2130 Old McKenzie Highway, Paris, TN. at 11:00 AM.
Family and friends wishing to honor Rick are encouraged to donate to a final wishes fund in lieu of flowers. Flowers will certainly be accepted and people should feel free to express their goodbyes in whatever way they feel will offer them the most closure. The fund should be considered just one option. RICKS FINAL WISHES (fundly.com/rick-watkins-final-wishes)
