MILESTONE: Lee J. Watkins
Lee passed away on Mother’s Day, May 11, 2014, at the age of 102.
Born on May 4, 1912, in Madison, Tenn., he was a graduate of Goodlettsville High School and David Lipscomb College, class of 1932.
He began his career working for Tennessee Power & Light and then moved to Panama to work with his uncle at Standard Fruit Co. When World War II broke out, the government decided that he could best serve in Panama as a Merchant Marine.
He and his wife, Marian, were married in Panama, and after the war they settled in Sarasota, Fla., in 1948, opening one of the first Western Auto stores in Florida. He later owned two businesses, retiring at age 75 from Watco Sales.
A dedicated Christian, husband and father, he gave the Lord credit in all things, from establishing the first church in Panama to being an integral part in the establishment of the Fruitville, South Trail and Central Churches of Christ in Sarasota. His greatest desire was the furthering of the Lord’s Kingdom. He served faithfully as an elder for many years and was part of several campaigns to the Caribbean as well as a supporter of missionaries in Ireland, Spain and Trinidad.
He loved the Lord with all his heart and lived a long and faithful life as a true example of that love.
Lee was a longtime and loyal supporter of World Christian Broadcasting in their efforts to preach the Gospel to the entire world through the building of radio towers in Alaska and Madagascar.
Memorials may be made in his name to World Christian Broadcasting, 605 Bradley Ct., Franklin, TN 37069.
He is preceded in death by his “little bride,” Marian, and survived by two daughters: Marilyn Watkins of Sarasota, Linda Lee Giddens (Steve), of McKinney Texas, two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
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