Richard Watkins

Richard W. (Dick) Watkins Safety Engineer " Insurance Industry Lakeland " Dick Watkins 83, went home to be with the Lord on August 14, 2016, at the Florida Presbyterian Homes in Lakeland, FL, from pancreatic cancer. He was born in Atlanta, GA, on April 22, 1933, to Robert Cunningahm and Eleanor Reamey Watkins. The family moved to Florida when he was 5 years old. His military service was in cryptography with the Army, 1953-1955. He graduated from St. Petersburg Sr. High, St. Petersburg Jr. College and Florida State University and worked in the insurance industry, retiring in 1997 from CIGNA. He is predeceased by his parents and two brothers, Robert C., Jr. and Henry Irvine Watkins. Surviving are his wife, Eugenie S. Watkins; four children, Mark Watkins of Lakeland, Nancy Drummond of Kennesaw, GA, Michael (Jen) Watkins of Tampa, and John (Heather N.) Watkins of Auburndale; 12 grandchildren, five great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Dick served as a Deacon in the Presbyterian Church, and was an Elder at the First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland. He worked quietly behind the scenes as well as being Head Usher for a number of years. Keeping fit was a priority and he was a long- time member of the Lakeland YMCA. He loved gardening and sharing the fruit of his labors with friends and colleagues who knew him as ""The Rose Man."" He was a good golfer, enjoying it all his adult life. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, August 22, 2016, at 3:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to First Presbyterian Church, 175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland, FL 33801; Florida Presbyterian Homes Loving Care Fund, 16 Lake Hunter Dr., Lakeland, FL 33803; or Cornerstone Hospice, 2445 Lane Park Rd., Tavares, FL 32778. Service: 08/22/2016 First Presbyterian Church 175 Lake Hollingsworth, Lakeland, FL 33801