Michael Aaron Watkins

Michael Aaron Watkins passed away May 22, 2018 in Batesville, Arkansas at the age of 76.

He was born on June 7th, 1941 in Batesville, Arkansas. He was the son of Ivan Aaron and Eva Lee Thompson Watkins. He was a member of Allen Chapel FWB Church and then a member and served as Deacon of Quail Valley FWB Church. He put God, family and country first in his life and was always happy to help others in need. Mike found joy in every aspect of his life. He and his wife Pat celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in December of 2013. He also treasured the time spent with his son and his son’s wife, his granddaughter and her husband, his great grandson, granddaughter and all his family and friends. He also loved singing, and listening to others sing southern gospel music.

He attended Batesville High School and graduated with a GED. He served six years in the Navy Reserve and was aboard the US Franklin D. Roosevelt. He worked for the Massey family at Mack Farm Dairy at an early age and also after completing his tour of duty. He then worked at Arkansas Eastman until he retired and was active in helping his wife, Pat in Heartline Health, health food store.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Patricia I. Haertlein Watkins, one son Kevin Aaron Watkins and wife Becky Blanks Watkins of Batesville, one granddaughter, Heather Erin Hodges and her husband David Richard Hodges, one great grandson, Isaac David Hodges and one great granddaughter, Kendall Blair Hodges, all of Portal, Georgia. A sister Alta Lusk and her husband Clarence Lusk of Huff, a sister Margie Boyett of Allen Chapel, and two brothers-in-law Jerry Haertlein and Rickey Reynolds, along with aunts, uncles, several nephews, nieces and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Ivan A. Watkins and his mother Eva Lee Jackson, his grandparents, William Thompson and Lee Gibbs Thompson, John Evan and Ida Howard Watkins, a brother-in-law, Gleen Boyett and two sisters-in-law Dinah Haertlein and Carolyn Sue Reynolds.

Memorial services will be held Thursday, May 24th, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the Allen Chapel Free Will Baptist Church with Bro. Tim Landers and Bro. Ben Ryan officiating. Arrangements by Qualls Batesville Funeral Service.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until service time.

Honorary Pallbearers are Allen Lusk, Doug Lusk, Mark Boyett, Tony Thompson, Timmy Thompson, Lynn Thompson, Lee Thompson, William Thompson, Danny Thompson and John H. Thompson.