Paul M. Watkins

Paul M. Watkins, 83, of Orlando, FL, passed on April 16, 2010. Paul was born November 19, 1926 in Jefferson County, Georgia to Thomas Lee and Ollie Minter Watkins. Upon high school graduation from Bartow High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Retiring after twenty six years of military service, he began a Civil Service career at Patrick Air Force Base and McCoy Air Force Base, serving a total of eighteen years. Paul enjoyed the sports of baseball and football. Paul and Ann attended many baseball games of Spring Training; favorites being the Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs. An avid fisherman, he spent many hours fresh water fishing. While living at the beach, Paul also enjoyed backyard grilling and coordinating cookouts at the survival area of PAFB. When it was Ann's turn to cook for the United Methodist Church MYF program, Paul loved helping prepare the dinners. Paul always looked forward to the Cooper-Watkins Family Reunions to visit old friends and family; telling stories of his childhood and comparing old war stories. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Ann, daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Brian Yearty, Orlando, daughter, Debra Master and granddaughter, Carla Masters, Jacksonville.