Michael Anthony Watkins

Michael Anthony Watkins, 58, of Littlesburg Road, Bluefield, WV, passed away at his home, suddenly in his sleep, on Thursday, August 9, 2018.

Born on February 5, 1960 in Bluefield, he was a son of the late Calvin Watkins and Betty Spence Shrader. He was a 1978 graduate of Bluefield High School and was employed by Cole’s Truck Parts in Bluefield. Being a faithful member of the Bluefield First Church of the Nazarene, he supported and loved his church family. He was an avid WVU Mountaineer fan and was a loyal supporter of Bluefield High School sports and the Bluefield Blue Jays. He enjoyed golfing with his son and special friends, as well as playing ball and eating freeze pops with his grandson. He loved spending time with his family and friends swimming, camping, and attending dirt track races. His Father’s Day highlight was his annual drag racing trip with his son. He could often be seen stopping anywhere to save turtles.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Bill Shrader, and his father in law Robert Culver.

Survivors include:

Wife: Cheryl Culver Watkins of the home

Son: Joshua Michael Watkins and special friend, Mary Dillon of Bluefield

Daughter: Allison Christine Watkins of Bluefield

Special grandson: Anthony James Thompson

Sister: Lisa (Randy) Sexton of Princeton

Mother-in-law: Alice Culver of Newfane, VT
Brother-in-laws: Tom Culver (Maureen) of Scotia, NY and David Culver (Mary Beth) of Grafton, VT

Several nieces and nephews

Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Bluefield First Church of the Nazarene, 1400 Stadium Drive with Pastor Gary Jakes officiating. Burial will follow at the Oakwood Cemetery in Princeton with Timothy Puckett, Dave Coeburn, Patrick Morris, David Gates, John Neese, and Todd Musick serving as pallbearers.

Friends may call on Monday from 6-8PM at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bluefield First Church of the Nazarene, 1400 Stadium Drive, Bluefield, WV 24701.

Online condolences will be accepted at www.cravens-shires.com. Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell is serving the family.