Carl Douglas “Doug” Watkins, Sr, 84, of St. Florian, AL, died peacefully on May 20th, 2026. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Jonnie Lynn McClure Watkins; parents Tommie Lee and Lucy Rhodes Goad Watkins; sister Doris Elaine Scott; and brothers F.D. “Bud” and Tommy Lee Watkins, Jr.
He is survived by his daughters Lora Zahnd (Sam) of Ocala, FL and Donna Fowler (Brian) of Florence, AL; son Carl Douglas “Jay” Watkins, Jr. of Ocala, FL; granddaughters Bailey Fowler and Darby Fowler; treasured nieces Vicky Neese and Annette Parker; beloved apprentices, Jody Cypert and Chris Golden; and many more nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and a church family who will feel his absence profoundly.
Doug was born January 21, 1942, and was a 1960 graduate of Rogers High School. After graduating, he married his greatest supporter and the love of his life, Jonnie Lynn. Together they created a life of which they were immeasurably proud. They built their own home in 1968 where they raised three wonderful children who always kept him on his toes but never failed to make him proud. Doug also took great pride in being “Dandy” to his two granddaughters. They loved hearing his tall tales from childhood, solving his ridiculous riddles, and, before the knee replacements, having the occasional “wrestling match” on the living room floor. He was incredibly proud of all their accomplishments and made sure to tell them to everyone he ever met.
As a much younger man, Doug apprenticed to be a journeyman electrician, and he was a proud member of IBEW Local #558 for over 64 years. He also served as Local #558’s assistant business agent and then business agent for much of the 1970s & 80s. Doug was well known for both his incredible work ethic and his mischievous spirit. If a prank was being played on the job, Doug could usually be found standing to the side and attempting to look innocent, even though he was the chief instigator. His career allowed him to work all over the country, but one of his favorite parts of the job was pointing out projects he’d worked on all over the Shoals.
Doug spent much of his life mentoring the next generation. He trained many IBEW apprentices and coached countless young men through years of little league baseball at Underwood Dixie Youth. He also served as a long-time deacon at Jacksonburg Church of Christ, where he leaves behind many dear friends.
Doug loved Alabama football. Saturdays in the fall were spent watching the game on television while on the phone with Sam, his son-in-law and fellow football junkie. And despite growing up in rural Alabama, Doug was a passionate and long-suffering fan of the Boston Red Sox. He passed this devotion on to both his children and grandchildren, often to their exasperation. Doug found great joy in American history, classic westerns, traveling, a good joke, and a good story, of which he told many. And those who loved him will always remember the way he told those stories—with a boyish grin and a twinkle in his eye.
A visitation will be held Saturday, May 23rd at Jacksonburg Church of Christ from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. with a funeral service to follow. Brother Austin Swinea will be officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Brian Fowler, Sam Zahnd, Bobby McClure, Barry McClure, Jody Cypert, and Tinker Boyd. Honorary pallbearers include Joe Frank Fowler, Trey Watkins, Scott Herston, and the elders of the Jacksonburg Church of Christ.
For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Jimmy Fund, the official charity of the Boston Red Sox. Additionally, in honor of Doug, please take a few moments to share a story with someone. And remember, it doesn’t have to be true to be good!
