George Dillard Watkins

Augusta, GA – Mr. George Dillard Watkins, 91, beloved husband of the late Dorothy Corley Watkins entered into rest on Monday, September 10, 2012 at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at the Bible Church of Augusta with Pastor Dewey Jones officiating. Mr. Watkins will lie in state at the church from 10:00 until service time. Interment with military honors will follow in Westover Memorial Park.

Mr. Watkins worked for Western Union as a bicycle courier in the 1930’s. He then served his country proudly during World War II as a tank driver in Germany. After returning from his service overseas he began his career in the optical business with American Optical before moving to Wren Optical Company in Augusta, where he worked for over 40 years.

Mr. Watkins loved God, his church, his late wife of 68 years Dorothy, his daughter and son in law, his grandchildren, his grandson-in-law, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandson. He was a lifelong Atlanta Braves fan and also enjoyed camping, boating, and fishing at Clarks Hill Lake. He loved his family and enjoyed the large family gatherings. He was a generous and loving person who will be terribly missed by his family, friends, and all who loved him deeply.

Mr. Watkins is survived by his daughter, Patricia Surbaugh (Robert P.); his brother, J. Sanders Watkins; his sister, Mary Phillips; his grandchildren, Margaret Doss (Scott) and Bubba Hayes; his great-grandchildren, George Doss (fiancé Anna Hendon), Elizabeth Doss (fiancé Jonathon Jackson), and Patrick William Hayes; and his great-great-grandson, Seth Doss.

Pallbearers will be George Doss, Patrick Hayes, Jessie McCormick, Kenny Grose, Bobbie Lamb, Danny Beard, Brad Jones, and Edward Wilde.

If so desired memorials may be made to the Bible Church of Augusta, 1005 Druid Park Avenue, Augusta, GA, 30904.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday evening, September 12, 2012 from 5:00 to 7:00.