Herman Hollice Watkins

Herman H. Watkins, 79, of Jacksonville completed his life’s journey Tuesday, October 17, 2017. Born in Cairo, Georgia he was the son of the late Horace and Myrtle Hutto Watkins. Herman was a member of Kernan Boulevard Baptist Church. He retired from the United States Army as a member of the criminal investigation division with more than 25 years of serving his country as well as retiring from the Florida Parole Commission after 30 years of service.

Herman is survived by his loving wife, Joan, of 44 years; two children, Susan Henry and Ron Grimes and his wife Laurie; five grandchildren, Pamela Kicklighter, Rusty Henry and his wife Sheri, Sean Henry and his wife Becky, Justin Grimes and his wife Kaley, and Joseph Grimes; eight great-grandchildren, Josie, Hayden, Makayla, Kendall, Makenzie, Reece, Alexis & Logan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, October 23, 2017 at 11:00am at Hardage-Giddens, Chapel Hills Funeral Home with burial to follow at 1:00pm in Jacksonville National Cemetery with full military honors. The family will receive friends on Sunday afternoon from 4-6pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, the USO or a charity of one’s choice.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hardage-giddenschapelhills.com

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home 850 St. Johns Bluff Rd. North, Jacksonville, FL 32225 (904) 641-9755.