Billy Watkins, 70, of Hamburg, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, February 6, 2020, with his son Chris by his side. He was born in Bastrop, Louisiana on September 20, 1949, was a graduate of Fountain Hill High School, and a member of Trinity Freewill Baptist Church.
At eighteen years old, Billy began working for Georgia Pacific and retired as a B Operator in the Pulp Mill after 44 ½ years.
He loved the outdoors, playing softball, fishing, and deer hunting, but turkey hunting was his passion. He was a turkey hunting guide in Texas, Missouri, Illinois, and Iowa and competed in and judged turkey calling competitions for many years. Billy was a relentless hunter and enjoyed sharing his passion with his kids or someone else's whether it was assisting them with proper gear or personally taking them to the woods, he loved helping others share in the experience.
Billy was also a kind-hearted, respectful, Christian man who enjoyed visiting with friends and could easily make people laugh with his one-liners.
He was a family man who loved his grandchildren and was beyond proud of his son, Taylor, for serving in the Marines. Billy was a man of integrity and someone who was very gracious to anyone in need.
He is preceded in death by his brother, Jeff Carr.
He is survived by two sons, Chris “Chico” Watkins (Jennifer) of Hamburg, and LCpl Taylor Watkins of Crossett; one daughter, Melissa Carr of Little Rock; his mother and stepfather, “Lil” and Paul Carr of Milo; one brother, Gary Doss (Pam) of Fayetteville; and one sister, Jean Davis of Bastrop, LA; along with seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, February 10, 2020, at the Trinity Freewill Baptist Church, 803 Ashley Road 95, in Hamburg, AR, with Bro. Keith Boseman, officiating. Honored friends are Chris Roan, Randy Rice, Tommy Hughes, Burl Mills, Kavin Burnett, Jamie Murry, Mike Abadessa, Kirk Syberg, Craig Shorten, Glen Naff, Serrena Rodgers Waters, and Chris Head.
Services have been entrusted to Medders Funeral Home of Crossett.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
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