Keith was an Atlanta native and only child. After graduating from Sylvan High School, he went on to Columbia International University in Columbia, SC. After completing his associate’s degree there, he continued his studies at Columbia Bible Seminary where he received his Bachelor of Theology degree.
After college, Keith was a youth pastor for over four years serving in several Southern Baptist Churches including working for the nationally known Dr. Charles Stanley at Wieuca Baptist Church on Peachtree Rd.
When his parents became ill, Keith left his position to take care of them and help his father with his extermination business, Pesto Exterminators. He also became interested in body building where he competed throughout the state ultimately winning the “Mr. Georgia” contest in 1975.
Keith met Charlene Kirkland in October 1995 who was a police officer at Clayton State University when he went on an exterminating call at a house of a friend she was helping. They started dating and were married in 2005 at Piedmont Baptist Church on Piedmont Rd. in Marietta, GA.
Keith enjoyed camping and white water canoeing and rafting. He also loved playing with his grandchildren, Elliott, Payton, Daniel, and Zoey Kirkland, who he adored.
Keith Watkins is survived by his wife, Lanae Charlene Watkins; step-son, Michael Shane Kirkland; grandchildren, Daniel Kirkland, Zoey Kirkland, Elliot Kirkland, Peyton Kirkland; Aunt Fannie Belle, Uncle Frank, Aunt Nadine and Uncle SM.
The family of Mr. Watkins will receive friends for a visitation on Saturday, April 21, 2018 from 5 PM to 7 PM at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home. A Funeral Service to honor the life of Keith will be held on Sunday, April 22, 2018 at 11 AM in the chapel of Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home. Burial will follow the service at Pineridge Memorial Park. Friends are also invited to a BBQ reception after burial at the Event House and Pavilion of Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home.
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