Bobby Dean Watkins, of Durant, passed away on March 28, 2025, at the age of 71. He was born on June 12, 1953, in Cooper, Texas, to Willie and Elly Joy (Smith) Watkins. On June 22, 2002, Bobby married Virginia Ray, with whom he shared many years before her death.
Known as a hard worker, Bobby was a skilled machine operator for the local iron yard. During his downtime, Bobby was often found outside tinkering with engines, something he enjoyed passing the time with. His favorite pastime of all was spending time with his family.
He is survived by his beloved children, including daughters Brittany Watkins, Autumn Williams and her husband Earl, Tana Pena and her husband John, Zenetta Watkins, Edith Robinson and her husband Brian, LeeAnn Womack, and Cindy Jackson and her husband Marty, as well as his sons, Michael Kelly and his wife Trudy, and Robbie Watkins and his wife Amanda. His legacy lives on with his 26 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Bobby is also survived by his siblings, Lee Watkins and his wife Debra, Randy Watkins and his wife Rhonda, William Watkins and his wife Liz, Pam Johnson, and Janie Calvitt.
Preceding him in death were his father, Willie Watkins, stepfather and mother, Charles and Elly Bledsoe, grandparents, Tom and Abby McCarty, his beloved wife, Virginia Watkins, sister Lori Ann Watkins, and daughter Judy Ann Himes.
Family Hour is set for Thursday, April 3, 2025 from 7-8 p.m. at Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home.
His funeral service will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025 at 10 a.m. in the Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Tom Golden officiating. Bobby will be laid to rest in Pleasant Hill Cemetery following his funeral service.
Those serving as pallbearers are Ronnie Bledsoe, Dustin West, Martin Frakes, Jr., Jackson Frakes, Earl Williams, Jr., Arian Watkins, and Robbie Watkins. Honorary pallbearers are Brian Robinson, and Martin Frakes.
Services are under the care of Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home, 121 N. Fifth Ave. in Durant.
www.holmescoffeymurray.com