Vernon Watkins, Jr.

Vernon Watkins, Jr., age 80, of Jackson, passed away Saturday, March 2, 2019 at his home.

He was born February 2, 1939, in Logan, West Virginia, son of Vernon and Della Crank Watkins, Sr.  He and Linda Kay Morris were married in 1967 in East St. Louis.

Vernon attended Shawnee Hills Baptist Church in Jackson.  He enjoyed traveling; scuba diving; skydiving and hunting.  He was an accomplished guitarist and his favorite pastime was Karaoke.  He liked Karaoke to the extent that he bought his own tavern, Coyotes Grill and Bar, so that he could enjoy it anytime he wished.

Loving survivors include his wife, Linda Watkins of Jackson, a son, David Brice (Jill) Watkins of Jackson; two daughters, Dawn Verdel (Charles) Fredman of St. Louis and Cathryn Renee Watkins of Swansea, Illinois; grandchildren, Charles Ryan Watkins, Ethan Ray (Dana) McDowell, Evan Lane (Cesia) Watkins, Nathaniel Timothy Prince, Nathan Eric Epps, Jared Vincent Epps, Sophia Cathryn Epps, Cole Watkins Criddle and Jacob Andrew Criddle; great-grandchildren, Xavier Watkins, Alexis Watkins, Bella Watkins, Judah Watkins, Micah Watkins, Ezrah Watkins and Maren McDowell and a brother, Paul Watkins of Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Billy Ray Watkins, three brothers and four sisters.

The visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.  The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at the funeral home with the Rev. Ron Seyer officiating.  Interment will follow in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

The family suggests that contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Salvation Army.

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