John Thomas Watkins

John Thomas “Tom” Watkins, 89, of Frankie Street (Bluewell), Bluefield, passed away on Sunday, January 17, 2016 at Bluefield Regional Medical Center. Born on February 5, 1926 in Mercer County, he was a son of the late Drewry S. Watkins Sr. and Nellie Mae Hicks Watkins. He had been a lifelong resident of Bluefield and was a veteran of the US Navy. He was retired from CONSOL with 42 years as a tipple mechanic at Crane Creek in McComas. He was a member of the UMWA. He was a member of the Memorial Church of Christ. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian Ann Simmons Watkins; 5 brothers, Frank, Leon, Eugene, Kenneth and Junior Watkins; and 3 sisters, Katherine Sparks, Elizabeth Eller, Loretta Munsey. Survivors include: Sons: Thomas Randal Watkins of Elkview, WV Barry Alan Watkins and Mary Ann of Fayetteville, NC Daughters: Sandra Karen Patrick and Bill of Fayetteville, WV Vicki Jo Watkins of Princeton, WV 7 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and several great-great grandchildren Sister: Betty Compton and husband Jack of Bluefield Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at 1:00 PM at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell with Minister Frank Watkins, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Bluewell with family and friends serving as pallbearers. Friends may call on Wednesday from 11:00-1:00 at the funeral home. Online condolences will be accepted at www.cravens-shires.com