Kenneth Marvin Watkins

Tomlinson Funeral Home & Crematory announces the death of Rev. Kenneth Marvin Watkins age 77 of Wadley on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at his residence.

Mr. Watkins was a life-long resident of Jefferson County, residing for the last 57 years in Wadley. He is the son of the late Robert Lewis and Luna Juanita Williams Watkins. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his siblings James Harvey Watkins, Alberta Louise Watkins, Robert J. Watkins, Lynda Denise Dumas and Marshall Waldo Watkins.

While in high school Kenneth was a projectionist at the Pal Theatre in Louisville. He was a graduate of Louisville Academy and Swainsboro Technical School then becoming a mechanic and shop manager for Fordville; later Kenneth worked for Thermo King Corp. in Louisville for 28 years. Kenneth became a lay-speaker, later becoming a part-time then full time United Methodist minister. He served a total of 8 churches over the course of 25 years before retiring. He received his certification through a course of study in theology from Emory University. After his retirement even through his declining health Kenneth never stopped ministering.

Kenneth loved his God and family more than anything. He is survived by: 

His loving wife of 57 years: Jackie Lamb Watkins of Wadley

Daughters: Kimberly Michelle Watkins of Louisville, Kelli Marie Watkins of Wadley, Kristy Melanie Watkins Petttit (Bill Pettit, Jr.) of Avera, and Kathy M. Watkins Reynolds (William) of Sandersville.

Grandchildren: Kaitlyn F. Reynolds and Kevin R. Reynolds of Sandersville

Brother: Thomas Lewis Watkins, Sr. of Wrens

Sister: Rosa Lou Watkins DeBaere of Grand Rapids, Michigan

Several Nieces and nephews

Brothers & Sisters in Heart: Thomas L. Lamb, Ronnie E. & Angela P. Lamb, Davey Lamb, Barbare L. & Pete E. Ackron

A service to celebrate Kenneth’s life will be held Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 3:00 PM at St. John’s Methodist Church 3338 Midville Hwy Wadley, GA 30477. Rev Chad Watkins, Rev. Ron Dixon, and Rev. Bob Norwood will officiate.

Interment will follow in the Parkers Methodist Church Cemetery in Bartow 3289 GA Hwy 221, Bartow, GA 30413.

The family will receive friends at the church from 1:00 PM until the time of service.

Pallbearers will be Jason Handy, Gary “Butch” Ware, Jr., Robert Lee Watkins, Timothy Watkins, David Watkins, and Jonathan Watkins.

Honorary pallbearers will be Charles “Chuck” Burgamy, Jack Martin, Van Phillips, Johnny Stavely, Gary Ware, Gene Williams.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Rev. Kenneth’s memory to the Key Memorial Camp c/o Kimberly Watkins 313 US Hwy 1 Bypass S. Louisville, GA 30434 or to St. John’s Methodist Church P.O. Box 847 Wadley, GA 30477

Condolences may be submitted online at www.tomlinsonfuneralhome.net

Tomlinson Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements for the services for Rev. Kenneth M. Watkins of Wadley.

This is a courtesy announcement by May and Smith Funeral Directors.