Mr John William "Billy" Watkins

John William (Billy) Watkins, 78, of Mount Ida, died June 2, 2013 at his home from a long battle of cancer. He was born on November 18, 1934 in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the son of Harold and Hattie Watkins. He was preceded in death by his parents and numerous cousins.

He was a man of many talents, a retired U.S. Army Colonel where he served as the Commander of the 95th Training Command and in the 122nd US Army Reserve Command; a retired Agricultural teacher who received his Bachelors degree in Animal Husbandry and Masters of Education degree at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville; a member of the Mount Ida First Methodist Church; he served 37 years as a board member of the Montgomery County Soil Conservation District, served on the board of the Farm Bureau, and was a cattle farmer for most of his life. He enjoyed tinkering with any type of mechanical equipment, teaching students to be the best they could be, and riding his great-grandchildren on the tractor.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ann Stanley Watkins, his high school sweetheart; one son and one daughter, Lane Watkins of Mount Ida and Margie Rutledge of Jasper; one granddaughter and her husband, Stormy and Rex Cooper; and three great grandchildren, Corbin, Addie, and Lilly Cooper of Mount Ida.
Funeral Service will be June 5, 2013 10:00 a.m. at Mount Ida First United Methodist Church with interment at the Mount Ida Cemetery. There will be general visitation on June 4, 2013 at Thornton Funeral Home. Family will be present 2-6 p.m. Donations should be made to the Mount Ida First United Methodist Church; Arkansas Hospice; Mount Ida Cemetery. Arrangements were made under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home of Mount Ida.

The Lord is my light and my salvation……Psalm 27:1