E. Leland Watkins

Leland Watkins was born in Chicago, IL on December 23, 1926 and died in Alabaster, AL on May 15, 2018. His early education was at MacGregor School and Whiting High School. He went to college at Indiana University Extension and Purdue University where he studied math, chemistry, physics, biology and music. He sang with the prestigious Purdue Concert Choir and Glee Club. Leland graduated from Purdue University with a B. S. degree with highest honors in 1949. He taught science and algebra at Lake Orion, MI and then taught chemistry and algebra at La Porte, IN in 1951. He sang with the Michigan City Symphony. In 1955, he graduated with an M. S. degree from Purdue University with highest honors and taught algebra, chemistry and physics at Ball State University. He completed his professional career teaching chemistry and biology at Indian Springs School (ISS) from 1958 to 1985. He then worked in admissions with the school and retired in 1992. He performed as a tenor soloist and in starring roles for numerous churches, schools, universities and opera companies, including many musicals at ISS and performances with the Birmingham Civic Opera. Mr. Watkins is an inspiration and legend to his students; a teacher who taught how to think, an accomplished musician at the piano and in voice, a father figure to international students and a beautiful, funny, caring and generous friend.

Mr. Watkins realized many accomplishments throughout his life. He was a member of an Engineering Honorary and Education Honorary. He also had many articles published in the National Science Teacher. He sang E-flat above high C in Cujus Animam tenor aria from Rossini's Stabat Mater with the Michigan City Symphony. And he pioneered an innovative science program at Indian Springs School called the 12-12-12 program. Perhaps his most notable accomplishment is the legacy he leaves with his students, many of whom became close friends. He was a positive and inspiring teacher, mentor and friend to so many.

Leland is preceded in death by his parents, E. Leland Watkins, Sr. and Rilla Belle Baker Watkins; brother, George Prentiss Watkins; paternal cousins, Gardner Michael Watkins, Orva Mae Watkins Dooley, and Eldora Eloine Hopkins Larocque. He is survived by his unofficially adopted son, Syed Mohammed Pasha Minallah (Wazida Tabassum); unofficially adopted grandchildren, Aairah Minallah and Samirah Minallah; nephew, Steven Joseph Watkins; maternal cousins, Jean Elizabeth Craig Flynn (Hal Flynn), Robert Rhinehart Thalner, Nancy Belle Rappley and Rilla Jean Attaway; paternal cousins, Samuel Prentiss Watkins III, Robert Watkins, Janet Watkins, Lorraine Watkins Pryor and Myrtle May Hopkins. Also left to cherish his memory are the many students, friends and other loved ones whom he held dear. Special gratitude is given to Debbie Thalner for providing genealogy information.

The celebration of Leland’s life will begin with a visitation from 6pm until 8pm at Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham on Thursday, May 17, 2018. Funeral services will be at 3pm on Friday, May 18, 2018 at First United Methodist Church of Alabaster, with burial following at Southern Heritage Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions in memory of Leland to the First United Methodist Church of Alabaster.