of Harrison, AR
December 30, 1948 - October 9, 2020
John Watkins, age 71, of Harrison, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Friday, October 9, 2020, after losing his battle to pancreatic cancer. John was born on December 30, 1948, in Snowball, Arkansas. He was one of five children born to Omer and Dorothy Watkins.
The family moved from Snowball to Bellefonte where he attended school before moving to Wichita, Kansas. They lived there for seven years before moving back to Harrison, where he graduated from in 1966. John attended college at the University of Central Arkansas for three years. In 1970, his birthdate was the third date drafted for the Vietnam War. John was stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi. He served in the Navy until he received a medical discharge and returned home. When he returned, he went to work at his family's business. This is where his love for cars began.
On June 25, 1971, John married the love of his life, Martha, at Calvary Baptist Church. John and Martha had three daughters, two sons-in-law, and seven grandchildren who were the most important things in his life. In 1972, John became a salesman at Modern Parts and then purchased the business in 1973. In May 2019, John retired after working 48 years. When he was not at Modern Parts, he was restoring old cars, working on the farm, or cruising to car shows with Martha. Together, they traveled all over the U.S attending car shows with their friends. John was a devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church and served as a trustee for several years. He has been a faithful servant to God and to his family.
John was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy (Horn) Watkins; his father, Omer Watkins; his father-in-law, Kenneth Snow; his sister, Virley Wilson, and her husband Oscar; his brother, James Watkins; and his brother-in-law, Clifford Gale.
John is survived by his wife; his daughters, April Mattix, Amy Graham, and her husband Duane, and Amber Likes and her husband Brandon; his grandchildren, Isabella Gibbany, Tisha, and Tyler Pendarvis, Taylor and Emma Graham, Josalyn Likes, and Ava Likes.
He is also survived by his sisters, Sharon Burns and Shirley Gale; his mother-in-law, Wilma Snow; his brother-in-law, Kenny Snow and his wife Kay; his sister-in-law, Sherrlene Watkins; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A visitation was held at Roller-Christeson's Funeral Home Tuesday, October 13, 2020, from 5:00-8:00pm.
Funeral services were held at First Baptist Church in Harrison, Wednesday, October 14, 2020, at 10:00 am.
Interment service followed at Western Grove Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Duane Graham, Taylor Graham, Brandon Likes, Lonnie Brockman, Terry Yeager, Ronald Delk, Kenny Snow, and Tommy Pulliam.
Honorary pallbearers were Tyler and Tisha Pendarvis, Isabella Gibbany, Zachary Wyles, Emma Graham, Josalyn Likes, Ava Likes, Steve Cantrell, Sam Scroggins, Louis Melton, Kenny Keeter, and Modern Parts Employees.
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45 Condolence(s)
Austin mefford
Monday, July 4, 2022
Still thinking of him in 2022.
Chris and Chonta Salts
Sunday, October 18, 2020
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Melody Siegler
Sunday, October 18, 2020
Martha, I'm so sorry to hear you lost your husband. I just found out now (Oct 18th) after checking obituaries on this site. My heart just aches for you and your family. I hope your faith, family and close friends will help you and your family to bear your terrible loss and heal your hearts.
Chris and Chonta Salts
Thursday, October 15, 2020
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Norman and Jane Jenkins
Thursday, October 15, 2020
We’re so sorry to hear of your loss. He will be missed.
Mike and Roberta Pack
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
So sorry to hear about John. I first met John and Ed McElroy in college at UCA in Conway and have considered them both good friends ever since. RIP John.
Damon and Kimberly Searcy
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Martha and family -
We are saddened for your loss. Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family during this difficult time. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
John 14:2
Psalms 34:18
Rita Brown
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Prayers and love to all the family.
Richard and Melissa Jones
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family over the loss of Johnny. He was a great man. He had such a kind heart for everyone he met. He will be solely missed by all.
Donald Johnson
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Sorry to hear about Johnny. I knew him in younger years when his Dad had station at Valley Springs. Johnny and his brother James were my friends. Both helped me repair my old cars. We enjoyed those days. Good man.
Mava Baker
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
My heart hurts for all of you! I know Johnny isn’t in pain any more but he will be missed by so many friends and family! He was such a caring nice man and always had a smile! I was privileged to know the family for many years and for that I am so grateful! God Bless each one of you and may God give you comfort!
Shirley bailey
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Martha an family I’m so sorry for your loss of John he was a loving husband an father .I feel your pain ! My thoughts an prayers are with you an your family ! I’ll remember all the memories of our car show outings in the past those were good times ! Praying for Comfort an peace!
Sylvia Ragland
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
Billie and Nolan Brisco
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
We are so sorry to hear about John. We always enjoyed visiting with John at work or at other places. A good friend. He was a good family man. You could always tell how proud he was of his family, carry the grand ones. We pray that God will comfort as only he can. Love and Prayers.
Linda K Bruffett
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Our family has lost a wonderful man. Words can't express the sorrow I feel. When we were little kids he was more like a brother. Martha and your whole family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you peace and comfort.
Jerry & bonnie huston
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
So sorry for your loss. John was such a great person. The family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Laura England
Monday, October 12, 2020
Dear April, Martha, and family,
Ron and I were so very sorry to hear of John’s passing. Our hearts are heavy for all of you. Ron thought so much of John. Please know that our prayers are with each one of you . May the peace of God surround you and comfort you!
Most sincerely,
Ron and Laura England
David and Tammie Harris
Monday, October 12, 2020
We are so sorry for your loss, he will be missed. We will keep you in our prayers!
PEGGY Sue Witty
Monday, October 12, 2020
Deepest sympathy to John's family, he was a prince of a man and I know he will be missed by many people.
Darrell & Stephanie Pace
Monday, October 12, 2020
Praying for all. Love you.
Jerrod, Kristie, Malachi & Ashlee, Kenzie
Monday, October 12, 2020
Lifting you all up with many Prayers
Much Love & Hugs to you all
Our Sincere Condolences,
Jerrod, Kristie, Malachi & Ashlee, Kenzie
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Roland and Linda Choate
Monday, October 12, 2020
Martha and Girls,
We are so sorry for your loss John was a good man and will be missed by many. We will miss seeing you and John with your grandkids and kids at the lake. We prayed Dothraki g and God healed him perfectly. He has a brand new body with no more pain. We will spraying now for peace and comfort for you and your family.
Randy Stull
Monday, October 12, 2020
Deepest sympathy to all the family.
Jill and Joe Mandella
Monday, October 12, 2020
John was an amazing friend, wonderful husband, and devoted father. We have so many memories with John in them. We were blessed to have known him. I will be praying for peace and comfort for you all.
Judy Passmore
Monday, October 12, 2020
I’ve are so sorry for the gigantic loss in your family. He will Surely be missed.
Jane Carder
Monday, October 12, 2020
Martha and family I am so sorry for your loss.
Jack & Pj Reynolds
Monday, October 12, 2020
Martha & Girls-
We are sorry for your loss, our thoughts & prayers are with you.
God Bless
Jack & Pj Reynolds
Aleta Moore
Monday, October 12, 2020
I am so very sorry, Martha for you and your whole family. My prayers are for you all.
Doyle and Leslie Hunt
Monday, October 12, 2020
We are so sorry for
Your loss. Praying for peace and comfort for your family!
Wayne Cone
Monday, October 12, 2020
To the Watkins family: Loved this family. John was a great person
He will be missed.
Larry & Rita Coffman
Monday, October 12, 2020
Martha, April, Amy, & Amber,
We are so sorry for your loss of John.
When I think of John Watkins this verse comes to mind:
Proverbs 22:1, A good reputation and respect are worth much more than silver and gold.
John was a Very Good Man and will be missed by everyone who knew him. We all know what we must do in order to see John again and John wanted more than anything to make sure that all his family & friends knew Jesus as their Lord & Savior.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all,
Larry & Rita
Bill Beach
Monday, October 12, 2020
A Christian brother and a man of exceptional character who I was proud to serve with at CBC and even prouder to call friend. Prayers and much love to all of this dear family.
Johnny and Bonnie Pendarvis
Monday, October 12, 2020
So Very Sorry for your loss, Our thoughts and Prayers are with all the Family.
Brittany VanDePol Hobson
Monday, October 12, 2020
Martha and Amber,
You and your family are in our prayers today and the days to come. John was such a great man and will be greatly missed.
Dennis & Janie Hampton
Monday, October 12, 2020
Martha & Family , So sorry for your loss . John was a great man and will be missed by all that got to know him. Loving Thoughts Are With You .Prayers For All . Will Miss You My Friend .
Sam & Mary Cecil
Monday, October 12, 2020
Sorry for your loss. Condolences to the family. He was a good man.
Robert Gale
Monday, October 12, 2020
Uncle John you will be missed. Lord please give this family peace.
David and Nadean Raney
Monday, October 12, 2020
So sorry to hear of the passing of John. Sending prayers of comfort and peace to the family.
Bill & Joetta Youngblood
Monday, October 12, 2020
Our thought and prayers are with you during this time of loss.
Robert O'Neal
Monday, October 12, 2020
I am sorry to hear about John. He was a great man and a loving husband and father. I met John back in early eighties when I became his factory Paint rep with PPG Industries. The fact that he was a fellow gear head really helped strengthen our business relationship. John was dedicated to his family and business. Always open to new ideas and ways to help build on his business. I know he was planning to spend a lot of time building Hot Rods after retirement. He will be missed.
Debra Keef
Monday, October 12, 2020
Martha, you and your family are in my proyers God's lové and comfort will guide you ni thé following days. Truly sorry for your loss.
Mary (Watkins) Carter
Monday, October 12, 2020
So sorry for the loss of our sweet cousin, he will be missed by all who knew him. RIP my precious cousin.
Randy Prowett
Sunday, October 11, 2020
I owe who I am to you John. Thank you for hiring me many years ago, I learned allot from you.Honesty, hard work,respect. Rest In Peace my friend.
Mike and Brenda Sullivan
Sunday, October 11, 2020
Martha and family....we were so saddened to hear the news....our thoughts and prayers are with you all....
Laretta Moore
Saturday, October 10, 2020
We have lost a wonderful family member. Johnny meant so much to do many people. He will be missed by so many.