John M. Watkins

John Milton Watkins, 66, husband of Ernestine Baker Watkins, died April 24, 2007, at Lake City Community Hospital, Lake City.

Born Nov. 24, 1940, in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., he was a son of Alexander Watkins Sr. and the late Nora Johnson Watkins. He was a former insurance agent for Life of Georgia Insurance Co. for many years. In his youth, he accepted Christ as his Savior and joined the Church of the Living God United. He obtained his formal education at Poughkeepsie High School, graduating in 1959. He graduated from Allen University, Columbia, and furthered his education at Boston University, Boston, Mass. He served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged.

Survivors besides his wife, Ernestine Baker Watkins of the home, include his father, Alexander Watkins Sr. of Poughkeepsie; two sons, Andre Johnson of Poughquag, N.Y., and Arnett (Stephanie) Watkins of Augusta, Ga.; two stepsons, Micheal Baker of New Zion and John (Miriam) Billups Jr. of Columbia; three stepdaughters, Sheryl (Bobby) Singletary of Turbeville, Sylvia (Allen) Baker, both of New Zion, and Michelle Baker of Nashville, Tenn.; one brother, Rayford (Yvonne) Watkins of Poughkeepsie; three grandchildren; 18 step-grandchildren; and one step-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Alexander Watkins Jr.; and one sister, Lottie Frances Watkins.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, April 29, 2007, in the Hayes F. Samuels Sr. Memorial Chapel in Manning, with the Rev. Lucious Wheeler officiating.

Burial was in Manning Cemetery.

Samuels Funeral Home LLC of Manning was in charge of arrangements.