Billy Joe Watkins

Billy Joe Watkins, 83, a resident of Dothan passed away on Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at a local hospital.

Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, October 21, 2016 at the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Larry Newton and Rev. Tony Rosetta officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park with Robert Byrd directing. The family will receive friends from 1:30-3:30 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

Billy Joe was born May 21, 1933 in Houston County and lived in Dothan all of his life. He was employed with Howell Plywood for 52 years until his retirement in 2002. He was an avid fisherman, loved Auburn Football, enjoyed growing roses, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Billy Joe was a member of Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church.

Billy Joe was preceded in death by his grandson, Eric Justin Welk, and his siblings, Wallace Watkins, Harry K. Watkins, Onita Patterson, B.Y. Palmer, Juanita Moss and Rex Watkins.

Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Evelyn Watkins; children, Sheila Jerry Hall, Jerry Tammy Watkins, Sharron Leslie Wingate, JoAnn Mitch Mock, Blake Watkins fiancé Christine Brice, Candice Shaun Meredith, David Christine Cook, Donna Steve Jerkins, Robert Cook, and Todd Renae Cook; 27 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren; his sisters, Jean Moss, Elaine Rogers, Edna Louie Langford, and Faye J.W. Holder; several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his canine companions, Rat-Rat, Sarah, and Bit-Bit.

Serving as pallbearers will be Randy Watkins, Jimmy Watkins, Austin Cook, Owen Cook, Taylor Bass, and Danny Watkins. Honorary pallbearers will be Roger Love and Shorty Stephens.