Eugene Watkins, Sr. (Gene) was born on August 6, 1948, in Colfax, Louisiana. He
was the son of Dorothy Peterson Watkins and Handy Watkins, Sr. who both preceded
him in death. He was also preceded in death by two sisters: Mary Ann Miles and
Dorothy Galberth.
Gene attended school in Grant Parish throughout his elementary and high school
education. After completing high school, he moved to Shreveport, LA, with his first
cousin, Woodrow Williams, Jr. where he lived until he was drafted into the U.S. Army.
He served his country throughout the Vietnam War. After returning home from the war,
Gene met and married his loving wife of 51 years, Gloria Jackson Watkins.
Gene worked as a machinist at Dresser Valve for over 30 years before retiring. He also
attended Louisiana Vo-Tech where he received his certification in Air Conditioning and
Appliance Repair and helped many people with appliance repairs in Rapides Parish and
surrounding parishes.
Gene was baptized at the Smyrna Seventh-Day Adventist Church under the late Pastor
Helvius Thompson and remained a faithful member until his passing. His love for God
and ministry allowed him served in several capacities such as Sabbath School teacher for
teens and adults, a faithful deacon, Recreation Leader, a faithful choir member and the
founder and member of Men of Praise until the end. He was president of the South
Louisiana Youth Federation for at least two terms in earlier years.
Gene never met a stranger and opened his heart and home to all whom he met.
Gene will be forever missed by his wife: Gloria Watkins, children: Angela Mobbs,
Eugene Watkins, Jr. (Patricia), April Moody (Helvis), and Wanda Morin (Martin).
He also leaves to cherish his memories ten siblings: Annie Rumber (Clement), Lee Anna
Mitchell, Marentha LaCour Mason (Joseph), Carolyn Watkins, Mary Ann Davis,
Jurether Watkins, Sonya Perry (Willie), Handy Watkins, Jr., Jerry Watkins, and Terry
Watkins; his aunts: Bertha Peterson Booker and Viola Lloyd; grandchildren, great
grandchildren, God-children as well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives,
church members and friends.
