Cecil Melvin Watkins

Mr. Cecil Melvin Watkins, age 93, of Sandersville, passed away on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Washington County Extended Care Facility.  A funeral service celebrating his life will be held on Sunday, June 1st, at 2:00 p.m., at Kendall Heights Church of God, with burial in Sisters Baptist Church Cemetery with military honors.  Reverend Bobby Williford will officiate.  Pallbearers will be Joel Cochran, Jimmy Walton, Gene Carr, Mitchell McGraw, Stacer Helton and Dr. Earl Taylor.  The Watkins family will greet friends on Saturday, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at May and Smith Funeral Home in Sandersville.

Mr. Watkins was born, reared and a lifelong resident of Washington County, where he attended school and began working on his family's farm at a young age.  He began his working career clearing rite-of-ways for Washington EMC, prior to serving his country in the Korean Conflict, in the US Marine Corps.  During his service in the military, Melvin learned the skills of being an excellent mechanic and upon his return home began working at the Buick Car Dealership, for Mr. Hughs Hodges.  He soon created Watkins Motor Company, in which he would proudly own and operate until his retirement.  Mr. Watkins was an avid fisherman and also loved hunting quail and racoons when he was younger.  His greatest joys were being with family, working or fishing.  Mr. Watkins is predeceased by his parents, Charlie Mitchell Watkins and Sara Mae Henson Watkins, his wife Margaret Lucille Hardie Watkins and his sister, Margaret W. Hartley.

Survivors include his sons, Danny Watkins (Shannon) of Tennille, David Watkins (Sherri) and Doug Watkins (Dianne) all of Sandersville; grandchildren, April Watkins Gay (Huck), Kyle Watkins, Lindy Watkins, Kristin Watkins Coe (Don) and Kaylee Watkins and great grandchildren, Sadie Gay, Everett Drew, Kasey Watkins, Katie Watkins and Eliza Drew.

Donations may be made to the donor's favorite charity in memory of Cecil Melvin Watkins.

Please leave an online condolence at mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com

May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.