Johnnie Watkins

Johnnie Collin Watkins, 85, of Odessa, Texas, passed away on August 11, 2018 in Midland, Texas.
Visitation will be Saturday, August 18, 2018 at 3 p.m. in the Parks-Faudree Family Chapel, within the Wallace Building in The Village at Manor Park, Midland, Texas. A Memorial Service will follow at 4:00 p.m. in the Chapel. The Reverend James McCrary of First Baptist Church of Odessa, Texas, will be officiating.
Johnnie was born in Crane, Texas, to George Collin Watkins and Maddie Yvonne (Vaught) Watkins on December 15, 1932. He graduated from Odessa High School in 1951. He married his childhood sweetheart Delories Irene Alexander on June 30, 1951, in Odessa, Texas. They recently celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary.
Johnnie worked in the grocery business at Morris System Grocery in Odessa for 21 years. In 1970, he made a career change and started working in the oilfield truck rigging industry at Cunningham Welding. His next endeavor was a family business, Watco Truck Rigging, Inc., with his sons, Jim and David. He remained there for 21 years until his retirement in 2002.
Johnnie was an avid hunter, golfer, fisherman, and the ultimate sports fan. His favorite teams were the Atlanta Braves, the Dallas Cowboys, and any team in which his sons and grandchildren were involved. He was also a very accomplished team roper, horseman, and rider. He loved to compete in local team roping events well into his 70's. He earned several buckles, awards and a saddle for his hard work.
As a young man Johnnie accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior during a tent revival in Odessa.
Johnnie was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Bill Watkins, Jerry Watkins, his sister, Gloria Burkhalter and husband O'Neal, twin grandsons, Jordan Aaron and Jarrod Ethan Watkins and Delories' parents, O.V. and Flora Alexander.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Delories. He is also survived by his sons, Jim and wife Alice of Odessa, David and wife Cheryl, of Midland, brother Tommy Watkins and wife Sylvia; sister Sandra and husband Gerald Ritchie, sisters-in-law, Connie Watkins, Pat Watkins and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jacob and Kimberly Watkins of Odessa, Justin and Becky Watkins of Greenwood and Dr. Jennifer Seybert of Midland; great- grandchildren: Garrett, Jace, Faith, Alli, Gator, Davis, and Griffin.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the following: The Village at Manor Park, Midland, Texas, Hospice of Midland, or the Alzheimer's Association.
The family wishes to extend sincere gratitude to the staff of Younger Center at Manor Park and Hospice of Midland for their loving care and compassion during Johnnie's time with them.
Arrangements are entrusted to Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home. To send family condolences please sign his guestbook at www.sunsetodessa.com

Visitation

Visitation

Parks-Faudree Family Chapel
within the Wallace Building in The Village at Manor Park
Midland, TX  79707
Saturday, August 18, 2018
3:00 PM

Service

Memorial Service

Parks-Faudree Family Chapel
within the Wallace Building in The Village at Manor Park
Midland, TX  79707
Saturday, August 18, 2018
4:00 PM