Julian Pete P. Watkins

Julian Parks ("Pete") Watkins, age 95, passed away Monday, May 4, 2015, at the Sunrise Senior Living Center in Gilbert, AZ. He was surrounded by some of his descendants. His health had begun to decline within the last year, but he remained cheerful and jocular throughout. He was born April 17, 1920, to Julia Neal Meggs Watkins and Henry Pitman Watkins in Dallas, Texas. He was the the third child and the second son of Julia & H. P. He is preceded in death by his parents and his four siblings: Marjorie Fay Watkins Williams, James Henry Watkins, Dullah Lucille Watkins Elder, and Harold Leon ("Shorty") Watkins. He is survived by three sons: Jimmie Parks Watkins (Lora), Ronald Harold Watkins (Lynn), Gregory Lynn Watkins (Sonya), and one daughter, Judith Ann Watkins Allen (Carl). His grandchildren, their spouses and great grandchildren number close to 50. His many nieces and nephews were close associates and will sorely miss their Uncle Pete. He also had two step sons: Terry Tackett (Bettye) and Kevin Chris Bassett. He had one step daughter, Cathy Bassett Durham (Bob). Both Terry and Cathy have many grandchildren who loved Grandpa Pete. Pete retired from Arizona Public Service having completed a stellar career in management. He was well liked by his co-workers and in later life by his care givers. He also served in the United States Navy in World War II being honorably discharged at the end of the war. He was active in his church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He will be missed by those who have enjoyed his pleasant company. A viewing will be held Friday, May 8, 2015, from 5-7pm at Valley of the Sun Mortuary 10940 East Chandler Heights Road, Chandler, AZ 85248. Services will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2015, at 10am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 800 East Chandler Heights Chandler Road, AZ 85248. Interment will be held at Valley of the Sun Cemetery 10940 East Chandler Heights Road, Chandler, AZ 85248. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations for Hospice of Arizona.