Fred Watkins, age 88, of Mt. Airy, Georgia, went to his Heavenly Home on Monday, October 8, 2018, following an extended illness.
Mr. Watkins was born on September 20, 1930, in Banks County, Georgia; a son of the late William and Ethel Watson Watkins. He was also preceded in death by his brothers: Tom, Wilton, John, and Hubert Watkins and sisters: Lucille Cook, Ruby Watkins, and Janelle Watkins. Mr. Watkins was a veteran of the United States Air Force having proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict. He was a retired rural letter carrier with the Mt. Airy Post Office with 25 years of loyal and dedicated service. He also served as a school bus driver for the Habersham County Board of Education with 25 plus years of distinguished service. Mr. Watkins was a member of Hazel Creek Baptist Church.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 44 years, Frances Lathan Watkins of Mt. Airy; daughters and sons-in-law, Gail and Randy Elrod of Cornelia and Gwyn and Tracy Jackson of Mt. Airy; son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Rena Watkins of Toccoa; brother and sister-in-law, Clyde and Brenda Watkins of Demorest; grandchildren: Chrystal Lema and husband, Bryan, Jeb Watkins, and Katelyn Watkins; great-grandchildren, Alex Lema and Madison Lema; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 am on Wednesday, October 10, 2018, at Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, Georgia, with Rev. Trent Smith and Pastor Mike Franklin officiating. Interment will follow in Yonah Memorial Gardens with military honors provided by the United States Air Force, Habersham County American Legion Post #84, Grant Reeves VFW Post #7720, and Rabun County DAV Chapter #15.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm on Tuesday, October 9, 2018, at the funeral home.
Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to Hazel Creek Baptist Church Building Fund, 243 Hazel Creek Church Road, Mt. Airy, Georgia 30563.
Those wishing to express online condolences to the family may do so by visiting www.whitfieldfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are in the care of Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, South Chapel, 1370 Industrial Boulevard, Baldwin, Georgia.
