Martin A Watkins, Sr.

Graveside services for Mr. Martin A. Watkins, Sr. will begin at 10:00 AM Monday, July 8, 2024, at Graham Cemetery with Reverend Mike Boles officiating. Interment will follow graveside rites. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Mr. Watkins, 85, of Meridian, died Thursday, July 4, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Martin was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and a patriot to the core. He was a mechanic by trade and worked on heavy equipment for many years; he formerly owned Industrial Equipment Services and went on to manage Deep South Equipment in Pearl, MS, where he retired. He lovingly earned the title of Pawpaw of which he was most proud. He loved spending time with his family, children, and grandchildren. He enjoyed camping in the mountains with his beloved wife and friends in his spare time. He also enjoyed growing and cooking sugar cane syrup, at Thanksgiving, for over 25 years.

Mr. Martin is survived by children, Lynn Presson (Rickey), Susan Oglesby, and Marty Watkins (Dawn); grandchildren, Stephen Shelby (Samantha), Chris Winstead (Summer), Jason Franklin (Emmie), Gina Gunter, Josh Watkins, Matt Watkins (Stephanie), and Andrew Presson (Reagan); 14 great-grandchildren; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Mr. Watkins is preceded in death by his wife of over 68 years, Johnnie Mae Watkins; His parents, Buddy and Rosa Lee Watkins; and siblings, Sandra Watkins, Margaret Winstead, Arnold Watkins, and Johnny Watkins.

Pallbearers will be Stephen Shelby, Chris Winstead, Jason Franklin, Josh Watkins, Matt Watkins, and Jake Shelby. Honorary Pallbearers will be Alton Kimbrell, Leon Gough, Andrew Presson, Ethan Gunter, Cooper Franklin, and Kyle Watkins.

The Family would like to express special thanks to the Staff of Hospice Compassus for their exceptional care and compassion; to Dawn Watkins for her love and remarkable care; and to Linda “Rosie” Moore for her excellent care and compassion during the last several years.

Online condolences may be expressed at robertbarhamffh.com.