Avis de décès de Morris-William Watkins

Heaven's angelic choir was joined by the beautiful voice of Morris William Watkins on August 31, 2013.Morris Watkins, 77, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on June 29, 1936. After adoption at 6 weeks of age, his family returned to Milledgeville, Georgia. Morris was raised by his paternal grandparents, having lost his father in an automobile accident. Having completed public elementary (grades 1-6), Morris entered Georgia Military Academy and College in Milledgeville, graduating with honors. He completed his college education earning a BA degree from Mercer College in Macon, Georgia. Morris completed his 4 year military obligation with the U. S. Army and continued his higher education at Southwestern Baptist Seminary in Texas. As an ordained pastor he served churches in Lakeland, FL, Tucker, GA, Jacksonville, FL, Prattville and Selma, AL. While living in Alabama, Morris returned to Samford University in Birmingham, AL and there completed his doctorate degree in music ministry. In 1986, Morris accepted a call to First Baptist Church of DeFuniak Springs, FL where he served until his retirement in 2010. While living in DeFuniak Springs, Morris also taught chorus and band at Walton High School for more than 10 years.Morris was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and wife of 22 years, Clara Kennedy Watkins of DeFuniak Springs. Morris is survived by his loving wife, Daphne Wilson DuKate Clark-Watkins, step daughter, Alyssa Davis Hamman and son-in-law Michael Hamman, all of Bay Point on Panama City Beach, FL, three children, Morris Wade Watkins (Kathy) of Winston-Salem, NC, Steven Andrew Watkins (Janet) of Warren, Ohio, and Stephanie Lyn Watkins of Clover, SC. Morris also had 3 grandchildren, all of Clover, SC, Justin Watkins, and twins Amber and Austin Turner and three stepdaughters, Susan Kennedy Beasley (Bobby), of DeFuniak Springs, FL, Marcia Kennedy McDonald (Roger) of Marianna, FL, and Tanya Kennedy McNeil (Scot) of Mobile, AL and numerous step grandchildren and step-great grandchildren. A beautiful seal point Himalayan cat of Daphne's named "Kiddo" gave him such pleasure, especially as she loved to accompany him on the front seat of the truck or on a RV adventure.As a youngster, Morris showed a keen enjoyment of all sports, but baseball was his favorite, as a player or a spectator. In his early twenties he played semi-professional baseball for the Macon Peaches, the "farm" team for the NY Yankees. He was an excellent golfer holding a single digit handicap for many years. He thrived on being able to enjoy RVing and travel, boating and fishing.Morris was a member of the Bay Point Yacht Club, Kiwanis Club of Panama City Beach, FL, serving as President, and the Kiwanis Club of Panama City, FL. He faithfully sang in the choirs of St. Andrews Methodist and Presbyterian Churches and was a member of the local barbershop quartet group, The Barbershop Harmony Society. In all aspects of his life Morris displayed genuine kindness, care, and sincerity which were the core qualities of his character and soul. There will be two services celebrating the life of Morris William Watkins, each on Friday, September 6, 2013. The first will be held at 11:00 AM at Saint Andrews United Methodist Church located on 11th Street in Panama City. Rev. Amy Persons Parks will be officiating. The second Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00 PM at First Baptist Church of DeFuniak Springs, FL located at 216 E. Live Oak Avenue with Dr. Bobby Tucker officiating. The choirs of each church will be in attendance to present the music Morris cherished and directed for so many years.In lieu of flowers any persons who would desire to make a memorial gift may send it to the Service Account of The Kiwanis Club of Panama City, FL in care of Keith Forehand, Treasurer, P. O. Box 796, Panama City, FL 32402. Community service, especially that involving children, was as important a ministry to Morris as his service within the church.Morris desired to have his memorialization by cremation. Wilson Funeral Home in Panama City, FL will perform the cremation and disposition of the cremains.Wilson Funeral HomeFamily Owned Since 1911214 Airport RoadPanama City, Fla.850-785-5272