Tomlinson Funeral Home & Crematory announces the death of Rev. Kenneth Marvin Watkins, age 77, of Wadley, on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at his residence. A service to celebrate Kenneth’s life was held Tuesday, April 7, at 3 p.m. at St. John’s Methodist Church in Wadley with Rev Chad Watkins, Rev. Ron Dixon, and Rev. Bob Norwood officiating. Interment followed in the Parkers Methodist Church Cemetery in Bartow. Family received friends at the church from 1 p.m. until the time of service.
Pallbearers were Jason Handy, Gary “Butch” Ware, Jr., Robert Lee Watkins, Timothy Watkins, David Watkins and Jonathan Watkins. Honorary pallbearers were Charles “Chuck” Burgamy, Jack Martin, Van Phillips, Johnny Stavely, Gary Ware and Gene Williams.
Mr. Watkins is the son of the late Robert Lewis and Luna Juanita Williams Watkins. He was a life-long resident of Jefferson County, residing for the last 57 years in Wadley. While in high school, Kenneth was a projectionist at the Pal Theatre in Louisville. He was a graduate of Louisville Academy and Swainsboro Technical School, then becoming a mechanic and shop manager for Fordville. Later, Kenneth worked for Thermo King Corp. in Louisville for 28 years. Kenneth became a lay-speaker, later becoming a part-time then full time United Methodist minister. He served a total of eight churches over the course of 25 years before retiring. Kenneth received his certification through a course of study in theology from Emory University. After his retirement, even through his declining health, Kenneth never stopped ministering. He loved his God and family more than anything. Mr. Watkins is preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, James Harvey Watkins, Alberta Louise Watkins, Robert J. Watkins, Lynda Denise Dumas and Marshall Waldo Watkins.
Mr. Watkins is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Jackie Lamb Watkins of Wadley; daughters, Kimberly Michelle Watkins of Louisville, Kelli Marie Watkins of Wadley, Kristy Melanie Watkins Pettit (Bill Pettit, Jr.) of Avera and Kathy M. Watkins Reynolds (William) of Sandersville; grandchildren, Kaitlyn F. Reynolds and Kevin R. Reynolds of Sandersville; brother, Thomas Lewis Watkins, Sr. of Wrens; sister, Rosa Lou Watkins DeBaere of Grand Rapids, Michigan; several nieces and nephews; brothers and sisters in heart, Thomas L. Lamb, Ronnie E. and Angela P. Lamb, Davey Lamb, and Barbare L. and Pete E. Ackron.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Rev. Kenneth’s memory to: Key Memorial Camp, c/o Kimberly Watkins, 313 US Hwy 1 Bypass S., Louisville, GA 30434 or to St. John’s Methodist Church, P.O. Box 847, Wadley, GA 30477.
Tomlinson Funeral Home & Crematory was in charge of arrangements.
