George Thomas Watkins

He was born in New York City, NY to Dr. George R. and Geraldine Swensen Watkins, now deceased. Tom's family, later moved to Pelham, New York, where he graduated from Pelham High School and excelled in football. After high school, Tom moved to Utah. Here, he attended BYU and the University of Utah.

Tom married Susan Stout Watkins in 1974. They were married for 51 years and had 3 wonderful children and 6 grandchildren.

He had always enjoyed buying and selling cars and dreamed of becoming a car dealer. With that goal in mind, Tom and Susan became Volkswagen automobile dealers in three states: one in South Jordan, Utah, one in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and two in Houston, Texas.

Thanks to the wonderful talents of the people they work with, their dealerships consistently rank among the top ten in the United States.

Tom had a love for fast cars, and an appreciation for "weird" automobiles of all makes and models. He loved racing cars at the track in Tooele with his brother, Lincoln. Together, they collected an array of race cars purely for the thrill of it—the more exotic, the better.

Tom savored every trip to Lake Powell, especially when boating with family and friends. He continually admired the lake’s remarkable beauty and tranquility.

Along with racing cars and boating, he enjoyed airplane and motorcycle adventures with his dear friend, Dave Seger. They traveled to Japan, Mexico, Alaska, the Appalachian Trail and beyond.

A cherished July 24th tradition for Tom was visiting his sister Sharon and her husband, Kendall, in Charleston, Utah, to watch the impressive fireworks display from her backyard.

Tom loved visiting Coronado to see the ocean, as well as spending time at Bear Lake. He was always mesmerized by Bear Lake’s beauty and its ever-changing shades of blue.

He enjoyed listening to sports radio and attending Utah Jazz games, which often became his favorite date-night outings with Susan.

Tom was a member of the Cottonwood Club since 1989, where he enjoyed weekly dinners and spending summers swimming with his grandchildren.

Tom had a deep love for his family and treasured every opportunity to come together for an adventure or a shared meal. One of his favorite activities with his grandchildren was swinging them high on the big swing and reading "Ghost Eyed Tree" together.

He enjoyed going on adventures with G.R. in Scottsdale and attending auctions, where their lively discussions—especially about Fox News and politics—were always entertaining. Time spent with Mark, Kristie, and their family was full of fun, whether it was visiting Lime Rock Race Track or helping them find and set up the perfect Christmas tree each December. Trips with Laura, Ryan, and their family were also treasured, including visits to Bear Lake, Disneyland, Hawaii, and Coronado, as well as outings to the San Diego Zoo. Tom valued these moments, making every family experience special.

Tom is survived by his wife, Susan, and three children: G.R. of Phoenix, Arizona; Mark (Kristie Neeser Watkins) of Fairfield, Connecticut; and Laura (Ryan Love) of Holladay, Utah.

He was blessed with six grandchildren—Lydia, Mabel, Nathan, and Aurora Watkins, along with Raymond and Alta Love. He adored them all, even in those moments when they tested his patience.

Tom is also survived by his siblings: Stan (Murlene), Lincoln (Rebeckah), Mitchell (Michelle), Janis (Scott Woodhouse), Lois (Bill Johnson), Alyson Watkins, and Sharon (Kendall Hales), as well as, many nieces and nephews.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Cottonwood 5th Ward.

There will be a graveside service at Wasatch Lawn on December 12, 2025 at 11:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the LDS Church Humanitarian Fund, which partners with other organizations to provide global humanitarian aid, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Tom was a lifelong admirer of Danny Thomas and the legacy he created in supporting children and families facing the challenges of cancer.

As Tom would always say, "Now, time to work it backwards!"