William Bruce Watkins

Bill was born on February 8, 1935, in Loudon, TN, and raised by his grandparents on a farm about seven miles from Loudon. After being educated most of his life in Loudon, he graduated from Lowell High School in San Francisco, CA in 1952.

Bill entered the USAF in July 1955 through the Aviation Cadet program and was commissioned a rated second Lieutenant in April 1957. He served as a combat crew member in three different weapons systems.

Bill flew in the RB-47 Reconnaissance bomber from 1957-1962 as a member of the 55SRW, stationed at Forbes AFB Topeka, KS; the B-58 Hustler from 1962-1970 as a member of the 305th Bomb Wing stationed at Grissom AFB, Kokomo, IN; and the B-52G bomber from 1970-1975 as a member of the 2nd Bomb Wing stationed at Barksdale AFB in Bossier City, LA. He spent 18 months TDY to SEA flying combat missions over Viet Nam.

Bill retired from the USAF in July 1975 as a Major, amassing over 3000 hours of flying time, over 700 of which were in combat. He was awarded various medals and ribbons during his 20-year military career.

While in service Bill completed his undergraduate and graduate degrees in business. From 1975 - 1979 he worked on a doctorate in Finance at the University of Tennessee, then spent the next 10 years teaching at the college level in the U.S. and abroad.

Bill was a life member and past officer in many civil and military organizations, including American Legion, 40&8 Society, VFW, TROA, and DAV. Bill was most proud of his service in Lions Clubs International, where he was a club president, founder of Tennessee Lions Charities, as well as director and president of East Tennessee Lions Eye Bank. He finally served a two-year term as director of the International Association of Lions Clubs.

Bill married Nora Lee Wallace of LaFollette, TN in 1988 and they lived happily many years in Loudon, TN before retiring to Toano, VA.

He is survived by Nora Lee; his three children, William B. Watkins Jr., George M. Watkins (Inga), and Nancy K. Methvin (Samuel); and his nine grandchildren, Lydia M. Watkins, Johnathon L. Watkins, Evghenii Storoja, Michael C. Watkins, Brianna N. Methvin, Ian B. Methvin, Trevor C. Methvin, Shayne R. Methvin, and Atom C. Methvin.

A memorial service for William will take place Thursday, August 3, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church, 7801 Church Lane, Toano, VA. Contributions may be made in his memory to your local Lions Club (www.lionsclub.org).