Obituary for Raymond F. Watkins
RAYMOND F. WATKINS, 86 of Delta, PA died on Monday, September 21, 2020 in his home following a brief diagnosis of lung cancer. Married on June 25, 1955, he was the beloved husband of Phyllis Louise (Poff) Watkins for over 65 years.
Born on February 15, 1934 in Pylesville, MD, he was one of eight children born to the late Edmund Jarrett and Oleato (Bush) Watkins and a 1952 graduate of North Harford High School. Ray enlisted in the United States Navy where he proudly served for 20 years. During his service, he was out to sea for four years and served as a hospital corpsman. Following retirement from the military, he worked for the former Southern States in Whiteford, MD from 1972 – 1980 followed by 16 years working as a guard for Edgewood Arsenal.
Ray was very well known and loved in the Delta community, having served as mayor from 1977-1981 and was a familiar face as he daily walked through town greeting everyone with a smile. Actually, he walked so much his children and the community called him, “The Walking Man.” Ray was a faithful member for 20 years at Slateville Presbyterian Church where he had served as an elder and trustee.
Ray was active in BSA in 5 different states and Gitmo, Cuba filling positions from cubmaster down (he always said, “the boy is at the top.”) to district commissioner. He was a good man who loved his family, church, country and Chevies.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by:
Two children-
Thomas R. Watkins (Karen) of Manchester, PA
Steven M. Watkins of Emmitsburg, MD
Nine grandchildren: Damon, Ross, Douglas, Alisia, Ashley, Celest, Megan, Jennie and Callie
Six great grandchildren: Trae, Kyleigh, Maya, Addison, Brooklyn and Scarlett
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Diane L. Watkins and his siblings: William (Bill), Jarrett, Marshall, Famous, Albert, Mildred and Marion Watkins.
A private family service will be held at Slateville Presbyterian Church followed by the inurnment with military honors presented by the United States Naval Honor Guard in North Bend Cemetery, Jarrettsville, MD.
In lieu of flowers, his family would appreciate memorial contributions to: Delta Senior Center, 5 Pendyrus St., Delta, PA 17314 or Mason Dixon Community Services – Suite 2 of the same address.
Born on February 15, 1934 in Pylesville, MD, he was one of eight children born to the late Edmund Jarrett and Oleato (Bush) Watkins and a 1952 graduate of North Harford High School. Ray enlisted in the United States Navy where he proudly served for 20 years. During his service, he was out to sea for four years and served as a hospital corpsman. Following retirement from the military, he worked for the former Southern States in Whiteford, MD from 1972 – 1980 followed by 16 years working as a guard for Edgewood Arsenal.
Ray was very well known and loved in the Delta community, having served as mayor from 1977-1981 and was a familiar face as he daily walked through town greeting everyone with a smile. Actually, he walked so much his children and the community called him, “The Walking Man.” Ray was a faithful member for 20 years at Slateville Presbyterian Church where he had served as an elder and trustee.
Ray was active in BSA in 5 different states and Gitmo, Cuba filling positions from cubmaster down (he always said, “the boy is at the top.”) to district commissioner. He was a good man who loved his family, church, country and Chevies.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by:
Two children-
Thomas R. Watkins (Karen) of Manchester, PA
Steven M. Watkins of Emmitsburg, MD
Nine grandchildren: Damon, Ross, Douglas, Alisia, Ashley, Celest, Megan, Jennie and Callie
Six great grandchildren: Trae, Kyleigh, Maya, Addison, Brooklyn and Scarlett
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Diane L. Watkins and his siblings: William (Bill), Jarrett, Marshall, Famous, Albert, Mildred and Marion Watkins.
A private family service will be held at Slateville Presbyterian Church followed by the inurnment with military honors presented by the United States Naval Honor Guard in North Bend Cemetery, Jarrettsville, MD.
In lieu of flowers, his family would appreciate memorial contributions to: Delta Senior Center, 5 Pendyrus St., Delta, PA 17314 or Mason Dixon Community Services – Suite 2 of the same address.