William H. “Pete” Watkins passed from this life at age 69 on Thursday, February 19, 2015 at ECM Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was a lifelong resident of Lauderdale County.

Pete was a graduate of Waterloo High School and attended the University of North Alabama. He was a member of Ironworkers Local 477 and was retired from TVA. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Homer and Velma Watkins; and by his wife, Barbara.

Pete is survived by his son, Tony Watkins; his daughter, Robin Vaughn; grandchildren, Candace Watkins, Erica Vaughn and Tiffany Watkins; great-grandchild, Makayla Purdy; and special step-granddaughter, Lindsey Crider. Also surviving are sisters, Stella Sherrod (David), Pat Warren (Billy), Euna Hudson, and Linda Daniel (Walt); brothers: Lee Watkins (Luvinia) and Ralph Watkins; aunts, Elizabeth Butler and Nellie Crittenden; and numerous nephews; nieces; cousins; and other relatives.

The family will receive friends at Morrison Funeral Home in Central Heights on Saturday, February 21, 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. The funeral will be at the Old Macedonia Church on Sunday, February 22. The body will lie in state from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the church, with the funeral at 2 p.m. Lee Watkins and Billy Warren will preside. Burial will be in the Watkins family cemetery.

Active pallbearers are nephews, David Sherrod, Jr., Dr. Jon Sherrod, Paul Sherrod, Brad Warren, Bryan Watkins and Dr. Steve Watkins. Honorary pallbearers are, Vernon Allison, Steve Allison, Shane Haddock, Tom Haddock, Wayne Haggard, Rabon Lowery, Joe Staggs and Jerry Wright.

A sincere expression of gratitude from the family is extended to Dr. Lango, Dr. Mitchell, Dr. Morris, Dr. Patel, Dr. Wilkes and the staff in CCU and on the fifth and sixth floors at ECM.

Pete was a wonderful father, grandfather, brother and friend. He loved the world of nature, especially the farm, the woods and the Tennessee River. He was a good man