James Henry Watkins

James Henry Watkins, 88, of La Grange, died Tuesday, June 2, 2015, in La Grange. James was born on June 17, 1926 in Millwood, the son of Henry and Cora Watkins. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Henderson for over 30 years and served as a Deacon. He was a mortician and Funeral Director for more than 50 years serving in Texas at Longview, Henderson, Paris and Austin. He was a gentle and caring man throughout his whole life. A Christian that practiced what was preached and was held in utmost respect. He showed this as an outstanding Sunday school teacher. Mr. Watkins served in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946 on the Pacific Theatre and received several honorable medals in WWII. He was a volunteer of the American Cancer Society and active in many service organizations such as Lions Club and Rotary. He was a Paul Harris Fellow in Rotary International and was Henderson’s Outstanding Young Man in 1960. He will be sorely missed by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who called him “GDa” and the other family members. He is survived by his wife, Faye Jackson Watkins of La Grange; daughter and son-in-law, Marilyn and Ray Deason of Longview; one sister and brother-in-law, Veta and John Simmons of Dallas; two grandchildren, Chris Deason and Adrienne of Longview; Lacy Michelle Deason of Georgetown; four great-grandchildren, Haley Wellman and Lindsey Wellman of Georgetown, Cade and Carson Deason of Longview; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Cora Watkins; his loving wife of 59 years, Muriel; and ten brothers and sisters. The family received friends 30 minutes prior to the service at the mausoleum. Cryptside services held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2015, at Rusk County Memorial Gardens Mausoleum in Henderson with Dr. Doyle D. Sumrall, Jr. officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd, Tyler, Texas 75701. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com. Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home in La Grange was in charge of local arrangements.