Talmadge Billy Watkins (affectionately known as “Boo”), age 85, passed away peacefully in Ponte Vedra, Florida, on May 20, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. Born February 26, 1933 in Augusta, Georgia to Ira T. Watkins and Sallie Lou McNeely Watkins, Bill grew up with ten sisters.
Bill lived in Savannah, Georgia most of his adult life, where he met the love of his life, Sara K. Watkins. He and Sara were married on August 22, 1959, and had three children, Janet W. Talley, Lynn W. Martin, and Keith E. Watkins. Bill began his career at the Georgia Railroad, continuing on to the Savannah and Atlanta Railroad, the Central Railroad of Georgia, the Southern Railroad, and finally retiring from Norfolk Southern Railroad on March 17, 1995. He held multiple positions including dispatcher, agent and clerk, and was the only dispatcher who scored 100% on his rules exam. Bill was also awarded for having 36 years of accident free service during his 43 year career. He served as a deacon for Bull Street Baptist Church for many years. He also drove the church bus and sang in the Sanctuary Choir. Bill’s love for playing the piano and music in general inspired all of his children to pursue various musical paths, including piano, voice and other instruments. Bill was very supportive of all of his children’s other interests, including running in local races, being there for basketball, football, track and softball practices and games. Bill was an avid reader and loved all eras of history and war, encyclopedias, and a good mystery or spy novel. Some of his favorite books include the Agatha Christie, John Grisham and Tom Clancy series.
After Bill retired, he moved to Grovetown, Georgia to live on the Watkins homestead. He and Sara joined First Baptist Church of Augusta where they sang in the adult and senior choirs. Bill loved feeding the racoons, deer and birds that were frequent visitors to his backyard. In the fall of 2014, Bill and Sara moved to Jacksonville, Florida, then Ponte Vedra, where Bill spent his final months. Bill had a gentle loving nature, always helping and giving to others, even when he had very little. He supported many charities and always showed kindness and gave assistance to anyone in need. His sweet spirit will be
greatly missed by all.
Surviving Bill are his Wife, Sara Elizabeth Kelly Watkins, two daughters, Janet W. Talley (Steve), Lynn W. Martin (Kerry), one son, Keith E. Watkins (Donna), five grandsons, Christopher R. Martin, Austin C. Martin, Matthew S. Talley, Michael P. Talley, and Gregory K. Watkins, one sister, Janice W. W. Brewer (John), and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Preceding him in death were his sisters, Annie W. Whittle, Mary W. Shealy, Lucille W. Adams, Jessica W. Goodwin, Ruth W. A. Bennett, Margaret W. Moor, Johnnie W. Anderson, Melba W. Whitaker, and Gailya W. Evans, his mother, Sallie Lou McNeely Watkins and father, Ira Thomas Watkins.
The Watkins family wanted to extend a very special thanks to Community Hospice of N.E. Florida for their excellent guidance and care, and to all the nurses, CNA’s and other staff of Starling Assisted Living and Memory Care, especially Starling’s director, Megan Kennedy, for all of their loving support, care and kindness.
A visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 24, at Hardage-Giddens, The Oaklawn Chapel, 4801 San Jose Boulevard, 32207, followed by a memorial service at 2:00p.m., with a reception immediately following the service.
Please sign the guestbook at www.hardagegiddensoaklawnchapel.com.
HARDAGEGIDDENS, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Blvd. is serving the family.
