William Allen Watkins

William Allen Watkins, age 81, passed away on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at Fianna Health and Rehab in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Born March 21, 1943 in Portland, Maine, he was a beloved son of Clyde Watkins and Marie (Carter) Watkins. William graduated from Fort Smith Senior High Class of 1961, and he went on to attend Barber College in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1967. He was a proud Veteran of the United States Military, having served in the Navy on the USS Sullivans Destroyer, and the USS Miller during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Williams’ military efforts earned him the National Defense Medal and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for his service in Cuba. Aside from his service, William held careers as a Barber at Greenwood Barber Shop, and as a brazer at Rheem Manufacturing, up until his retirement. In his free time, William enjoyed reading, watching the Razorbacks, and cheering on the Northside Grizzlies. William was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Fort Smith, along with the United Steelworkers of America. William will be remembered as a man of faith, who loved his children, cats, his hometown, and music. 
He is survived by his three children, Eric Watkins and wife Gayle; Rebecca Niemeyer and husband Eric of Fayetteville, Arkansas; and Sarah Watkins; four grandchildren; Averi, Anna, Heidi, and Hayden; four great-grandchildren, Adilia, Sebastian, Eliana, and Anthony; one sister, Nancy Gibson and husband Charles of Fort Smith, Arkansas; along with a host of family and friends. William is preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Marie Watkins. 

A Visitation will be held from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Lewis Funeral Chapel, located at 4817 Kelley Hwy in Fort Smith, Arkansas 72904. A Funeral Service will take place at 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 21, 2024, also at Lewis Funeral Chapel. A Committal Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, September 23, 2024, at the Fort Smith National Cemetery.

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