Lee Watkins

Lee Roy Watkins,67, was promoted to Heaven on July 4, 2025, surrounded by his family in Fort Worth, Texas. Lee’s faith was obvious, his attitude contagious and he loved his family dearly. He was a great husband, father, grandpa, neighbor and friend. On a regular basis you would find Lee spending quality time with his wife, Debbie, at one of his grandchildren’s events, or driving in his neighborhood spreading joy to his neighbors with his late dog (Roy) and Roxie.

Lee loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ with all his heart, mind, and soul. Through him God built a legacy of believers with his family, children, and grandchildren. He officiated all four of his daughter’s marriages, Debbie’s father’s funeral and always enjoyed attending church with his dad.

Lee was born on October 4, 1957, in Wichita Falls, Texas to Valton Lee Watkins and Christa Schabl. He graduated Burkburnett High School in 1976 and received his Bachelor of Science in Education at Arlington Baptist University in 1981 and his Master of Business Administration from Dallas Baptist University in 1993. Lee was an ordained minister, a successful business leader and a talented entrepreneur. He loved to master new skills and hobbies. Lee enjoyed scuba diving where he became a master scuba diver instructor and enjoyed learning and teaching about firearms where he had a Federal Firearms License and became an instructor certifying many community members with their license to carry certification.

Lee married DeeDee Ikey n 1976, where they were blessed with three daughters, Jennifer, Amy and Stephanie. The marriage ended in 1993. In 1994, Lee married Debbie Barrette, where son, Blake Taylor blessedly joined Lee’s life and together they were blessed with another daughter Brooke in 1997. Lee was very proud of all his children and would often end a phone call or leave a message telling them that. He sincerely cared about their successes, challenges and needs.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie Watkins of Fort Worth, TX, mother, Christa Stiers, of Saginaw, Texas, brother David Watkins (Sangdow) of Austin, TX and sister Lisa Watson (Gordon) of Brenham, Texas; his children Jennifer Black (Rodney) of Boyd, Texas, Amy Moore of Fort Worth Texas, Stephanie Abernathy (Clint) of Rhome, Texas, Blake Taylor of North Richland Hills, Texas and Brooke Smith (Arron) of Fort Worth, Texas; as well as his grandchildren, Noah, Ava, Shaye, Rylee, Lucas, Gracey, Layken and Breckyn.

He is preceded in his death by his father, Valton Lee Watkins earlier this year.

A Celebration of Life Service: Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 1:00 pm.

Aurora Baptist Church, 201 Derting Rd. Aurora, TX 76078