William Ray Watkins Sr. "Mr. Bill"

William R. Watkins, Sr. “Mr. Bill”, 81, passed away September 4, 2016 in El Paso, Texas, born in Monroe, LA to Cody and Nell Watkins. He attended Austin High School and started working as a switchman and frame man with Mountain Bell in 1951 and retired with Southwestern Bell in March 1995 after 43 years of dedicated service. He was a longtime active member of the CWA union, an active member of the retired members of AT&T, a lifetime member of the NRA, El Paso Gun Club, Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club and the Horizon City RC Fliers, where he held the title of treasurer for many years. He was one of the founding members of the Retired Telephone Breakfast Club. Bill was an avid collector of Telephone memorabilia, his varied interests included; photography, movie collecting, history, space and aeronautics, archaeology, big band era music and the list goes on. But, Bill’s real passion was his family and friends, his generosity and kind spirit will be missed by all. He was preceded in death by his parents and great-grandson, Jeremy Michael Price. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Madeline, his beloved children, Debbie (Bob) Marek, Mary (Jerry) Slawson, Bill Jr. (Alicia) Watkins; grandchildren, Bryan and Jeremy (Liz) Price; Bailey Watkins, Morgan Slawson, Brandon (Courtney) Slawson, Jessica (John) Hronich; Mercedes, Francisca and Isabella Pedregon; great-grandchildren, Joshua and Mathew Price, Mikyla Slawson and Genevieve Hronich. He is also survived by his loving sister, Frankie (Troy) Barnes, brother, Murray (Judy) Watkins and Ray Perkins and many loving nieces and nephews and cousins. Visitation will be held Friday, September 9th from 5 pm to 9 pm at the Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 10th at Martin Funeral Home Central, 3839 Montana Ave. Interment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. “Vaya con Dios”