Robert Howard Watkins

On July 5, 2022, Robert "Bob" Howard Watkins entered eternity to be with Jesus and with his beloved wife of 68 years, Peggy Jean Bryant Watkins. Bob passed away peacefully at his home in Marietta, GA, in the company of his children. Though he is deeply missed, we know he is happy to have been reunited with his recently-deceased wife just a few days ahead of Peggy's birthday.

Bob was born July 18, 1932, in Swainsboro, GA, to the late John Lee and Eleanor Elizabeth Turner Watkins. He spent most of his early years in Thomaston, GA, and attended Robert E. Lee Institute, where he held support and leadership roles in many organizations, both academic and athletic, as well as the ROTC program. He attended Georgia Institute of Technology, earning membership in the National Society of Scabbard and Blade (a national military honor society), and later served in the US Army Reserves, Captain, Signal Corps. Having married Peggy on June 19, 1953, and having earned his bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and his master's degree in Industrial Management from Georgia Tech, he and Peggy moved to Marietta where Bob spent a lifelong career at Lockheed, ultimately as a radar specialist.

Those close to Bob were well-acquainted with his night-owl nature, sense of humor, and love of a good deal. Bob never missed a chance to tell a good joke (assuming he could make it to the punch line before laughter overtook him) or to brag about his latest "steal." Bob stayed busy with fix-it projects around his house and the houses of his children, always wanting to do for others as much as possible. Rather than talking about his faith, Bob put his faith into action. Bob was a faithful steward of all God gave him, including his time, talents, and finances. Most notable was Bob’s generosity — the more God blessed him, the more Bob blessed those around him, even strangers. Though meticulous in his record-keeping, money was no master; Bob was ever ready and eager to share what he had. He tithed faithfully and used what remained to help others.

A devoted husband and father, one of Bob’s greatest aspirations was to be the best provider possible for his family. For many years, Bob took on home-improvement jobs after his routine working hours in order to send his five children to college. He made it a priority to participate in the lives of his children and grandchildren, attending as many of their events as possible. Bob most enjoyed being in Peggy’s company, whether riding bikes with her on the Silver Comet Trail, traveling cross-country with minimal pre-planning, shelling the beaches of Sanibel Island, or acting as caretaker in her later years. Bob always treasured time spent with Peggy. Other than a brief removal for surgery on one occasion, Bob's wedding ring did not leave his finger until his death.

Bob’s legacy is captured by the scripture passage that Peggy felt described him best - Psalm 37:23-26:

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lends; and his descendants are blessed."

Peggy esteemed Bob as a good man with a life shaped by faith. Merciful and generous. A blessing to others. Imperfect but saved by grace.

In addition to his parents and wife, Bob was preceded in death by his brothers, John Lee Watkins II and Harvey Michael Watkins.

Bob is survived by his five children: Kyle Stanford Watkins (wife Donna), Bobbi Watkins Mitchell (husband Sammy), Angela Watkins Smith (husband Steve), Cynthia Watkins Lynch (husband Steve), and Steven Michael Watkins (wife Beth);

Grandchildren: Victoria Watkins-Denney (husband Ryan), Jeniffer Watkins, Hannah Watkins Brock (husband Jesse), Michelle Mitchell, Tyler Mitchell, Nathaniel Smith, Melanie Lynch, Danielle Lynch, Michael Lynch, Joshua Watkins (wife Maggi), Bethany Watkins, and John Watkins;

Great Grandchildren: Jamie Mitchell and Ashten Mitchell;

Nephew: John Lee Watkins III (wife Sylvia; son of John Lee Watkins II and Alice Brown Watkins);

Grandnieces: Erica Watkins Ryan (husband Brendan) and Elyse Watkins; and

Great Grandnephew: Nate Ryan.

Visitation with family and friends will be Monday, July 11, 6:00-8:00 PM, at Georgia Memorial Park Funeral Home in Marietta, with a private graveside service for family on July 12.

Bob was a dedicated and actively-involved member of Eastside Baptist Church in Marietta for six decades. In recent months, Bob had been attending Midway Presbyterian Church with his daughter, even assisting the church's Mercy Ministry. To honor Bob's lifelong commitment of service to others, donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to Midway Presbyterian Church, 4635 Dallas Hwy, Powder Springs, GA 30127 (Memo: Mercy Ministry, in memory of Robert Watkins).