Vernon Watkins Jr.

Vernon Watkins Jr., 80, of Jackson passed away Saturday, March 2, 2019, at his home.

He was born Feb. 2, 1939, in Logan, West Virginia, son of Vernon Sr. and Della Crank Watkins. He and Linda Kay Morris were married in 1967 in East St. Louis, Illinois.

He attended Shawnee Hills Baptist Church in Jackson. He enjoyed traveling, scuba diving, skydiving and hunting. He was an accomplished guitarist, and his favorite pastime was karaoke. He liked karaoke so much he bought his own tavern, Coyotes Grill and Bar, so he could enjoy it anytime he wished.

Survivors include his wife, Linda Watkins of Jackson; a son, David Brice (Jill) Watkins of Jackson; two daughters, Dawn Verdel (Charles) Fredman of St. Louis and Cathryn Renee Watkins of Swansea, Illinois; grandchildren, Charles Ryan Watkins, Ethan Ray (Dana) McDowell, Evan Lane (Cesia) Watkins, Nathaniel Timothy Prince, Nathan Eric Epps, Jared Vincent Epps, Sophia Cathryn Epps, Cole Watkins Criddle and Jacob Andrew Criddle; great-grandchildren, Xavier Watkins, Alexis Watkins, Bella Watkins, Judah Watkins, Micah Watkins, Ezrah Watkins and Maren McDowell; and a brother, Paul Watkins of Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Billy Ray Watkins; three brothers; and four sisters.

Vernon Watkins Jr.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Ron Seyer officiating. Interment will follow in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

The family suggests contributions be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Salvation Army.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting mccombsfuneralhome.com.