William H. Watkins Jr.

William Howard Watkins, Jr., 84, known to family and friends as Bill, passed away peacefully among family on October 20, 2026. He was born in Wardell, MO on December 15, 1941 to William H. Watkins, Sr., and Gussie Viola Watkins. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother, Bill lived a life shaped by faith, hard work, and a deep love for God, family, and country.

Bill grew up on his family’s farm in the Missouri Bootheel alongside his four brothers and graduated from Braggadocio High School in 1959. Working the land and learning from his parents, he developed the sense of responsibility, perseverance, and integrity that would guide him throughout his life. He carried those early lessons into his roles as a husband, father, businessman, mentor, and friend.

Bill proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1960 to 1964, including two years in Japan, and attained the rank of corporal. An accomplished basketball player, he continued playing during his military service and once scored 52 points in a game against a Navy team in Japan. His years in the Marines strengthened his discipline, his commitment to others, and his love for his country.

On December 20, 1964, Bill married Cordia Jeanette Watkins. Their early years together were marked by work, study, and a shared determination to build a future for their family. Their partnership was grounded in faith, commitment, and perseverance.

Bill worked himself, and Jeanette through Memphis State University, now University of Memphis. While working on a loading dock for a local trucking company, he pursued his education. He graduated cum laude in 1967 with a degree in accounting and became a certified public accountant in 1969. In 1971, he co-founded Watkins & Watkins, the predecessor of the firm that became Watkins Uiberall. Throughout his career, he served as a trusted adviser to his clients and a mentor to many. He valued the integrity and talents of the people with whom he worked and took pride in the firm they built together.

Bill’s commitment to service extended throughout the business community. He served on the Tennessee Board of Regents from 1996 to 2008, including service as chairman of its audit committee. He served as Chairman of the Board of BKR International, an association of independent worldwide accounting firms from July 2003 to June 2005. A loyal supporter of his alma mater, he served as president of the university’s national alumni association. The Fogelman College of Business and Economics recognized him as an Outstanding Alumnus in 2003, and the university honored him by naming an auditorium for him in 2008. In addition, Bill was added to the University of Memphis Fogleman College of Business and Economics Wall of Fame in 2013.

His passion was politics, serving as chairman of the Shelby County Republican Party and as treasurer for numerous politicians. He had a knack for bringing people together and took pride in other people’s success. Bill worked tirelessly to support those he believed in, whether it be a candidate, client, or friend. He also served as chairman of the board of Christ Methodist Church. His community involvement included service with the Germantown Performing Arts Center, the Chickasaw Council of Boy Scouts of America, the Germantown Historical Preservation Association, Associated Builders and Contractors West Tennessee, Tennessee Arts Academy, and the Navy League Memphis Council. He believed in contributing his time and experience to the institutions and people around him.

Family remained central to the life he and Jeanette built together. Bill had tremendous gratitude for the people who had shaped and shared that life. He was particularly grateful for his Lamplighter Sunday school class at Christ Methodist Church, his community at the Farms at Bailey Station, and numerous breakfast and lunch groups. Bill took up golf in later years, and he and Jeanette enjoyed spending time with their children, grandchildren, and traveling.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents as well as his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Gene and Geri Wainscott and Gary and Linda Wainscott.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Cordia Jeanette Watkins; his daughter, Cynthia Renee Watkins, his son, William H. Watkins, III (Trey), and his wife, Sarah, and his three grandsons, William H. Watkins, IV, Henry David Watkins, and James Christopher Watkins, who adored their Papa.

He is also survived by his brothers, Van Watkins (Norma), Joe Watkins (Sharon), Tom Watkins (Sandy) and Ben Watkins (Victoria), as well as his sisters-in-law Shirley Figgins and Barbara Wilbanks (Joe) and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In his own writings, Bill expressed the values that guided his life: “I’ve always believed that a man’s life is best measured not by accolades or wealth, but by the people he serves, the values he upholds, and the lessons he leaves behind.”

The family would like to express gratitude for all the people who cared for him for several months, and would like to highlight the nurses and caregivers at Jordan River. We are eternally grateful for the support and kindness they showed to Bill and his family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Christ Methodist Church in Memphis on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with the service following visitation.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any memorial donations be given in his honor to Christ Methodist Church, Germantown Performing Arts Center or Tennessee Arts Academy.