The Reverend Robert Marshall Watkins, age 78, a resident of Glenmore, passed from this life Wednesday, July 11, 2012, at the Hospice Care Regional In-patient Center, Elkins, WV, surrounded by his family. Reverend Watkins was born in South Charleston June 7, 1934, the son of the late Charles Erwin and Esta Pearl Bailes Watkins. Reverend Watkins is survived by his wife of 56 years, the former JoAnn Kenney. Also left to cherish his memory are two children, Randall Stewart Watkins and wife Eileen of Mabie, and Marsha Watkins McAtee and husband Rodney, of Huttonsville; five grandchildren, Ashley Watkins and Sierra Watkins, Morgantown, and Sommer Jo, Landon Robert, and Tyler Lynn McAtee, all of Huttonsville. Four brothers also survive: Charles Junior Watkins, Newport News, VA, Ben Watkins, Knoxville, TN, Richard Watkins, Bowling Green, VA, and David Watkins, Marlinton. One brother, Jim Watkins, is deceased. Reverend Watkins served as pastor of the Assembly of God Church in Elkins. Prior to his assignment in Elkins, he served congregations in Dante, VA, Dorothy, WV, Chapmanville, WV, and Covington, VA. In 1984, he became the manager of Western Steer Steakhouse in Spruce Pine, NC, and at the same time began working in prison ministry. He and his family moved back to Elkins in 1986 at which time he was called as chaplain of the Huttonsville Correctional Center, a position he held until his retirement in 1998. He was a veteran of the United States Army, having been awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal, and also served in the U.S. Army Reserves. Reverend Watkins was an avid hunter, and enjoyed fishing and gardening. He spent much time in Bible study, and continually shared his faith with others. Visitation for Reverend Watkins will be held Saturday, July 14, 2012, at the Randolph Funeral Home, 100 Meadow Lane, Valley Bend, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Sunday, July 15, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. in the Randolph Funeral Home Chapel, with Reverend David Rice and Reverend Junior Totten officiating. Interment will follow at Little Arlington Cemetery, Cravensdale, where military honors will be accorded for Reverend Watkins.
