Frank Buford Watkins, Jr.

Frank B. Watkins, Jr., age 78, passed away June 15, 2020 after a battle with cancer. He preached the Gospel for 46 years and now he is with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He and his wife, Rita, live in Falls Mills, VA. Frank is the minister of Falls Mills Christian Church/Church of Christ. The most important part of his life was preaching and teaching God’s Word. He was a kind and loving person who was always ready to help those in need. He enjoyed playing the accordion, loved people, loved to laugh, and never met a stranger.

Frank was born in Mercer County, WV, the son of Ocie Watkins and the late Frank B. Watkins.  He graduated from Montcalm High School, Bluefield College of Evangelism and attended Atlanta Bible College. He served congregations at Duhring Church of Christ, Springville Christian Church, Whitesburg Christian Church in Georgia, Chippenham Christian Church in Virginia, Memorial Church of Christ and served as state evangelist for Louisiana.

Frank is survived by his wife, Rita Watkins of the home; son, Johnny Watkins; Daughter, Jill Dean; step-son, John Beaver; brother, Roger Watkins and wife, Brenda; sister, Amanda Butler and husband, Greg; grandchildren, Cooper and Zoe Dean, and Mia Watkins; Special niece, Kimberlee Butler.

Funeral service will be conducted 12:00 P.M. Friday, June 19, 2020 at the Falls Mills Christian Church with Frank Horn, Brian Hamilton and Joe Brinkley officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton, WV where family and friends will serve as pallbearers.  Friends may call from 11:00 A.M until the time of service at the church.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.  In consideration of others, we ask that all persons who attend the service wear a mask to comply with the guidelines of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.cravens-shires.com.  Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell is serving the Watkins family.