Walter Thomas Watkins

Walter Thomas Watkins, age 80, passed away October 29, 2023.  He was born in Macon, GA, the son of Marvin Thomas Watkins and Nolia Wilkes Watkins.  He was a 1961 graduate of Lanier Senior High School and of the University of Georgia, 1965, where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.  He served in the Army National Guard from 1965 – 1971. 

Walter began his career as a U.S. Air Force civilian employee in Human Resources in 1965 at Robins Air Force Base.  After a few years, he was transferred to Andrews Air force Base and later to Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where he called home for the next forty years.  He retired there in 1999 as Director of Education and Training at Eglin.

While in Fort Walton Beach he was an active member of St. Simons on the Sound Episcopal Church where he served as Clerk of the Vestry for over ten years, served as Lay Eucharist Minister, sang in the choir, and served on the Altar Guild. 

In December 2017, he returned to Macon and moved to Carlyle Place to be closer to his family.  He enjoyed rekindling old friendships and made a host of new friends whom he cherished at Carlyle Place.  He was a member of Christ Episcopal Church and enjoyed attending when his health permitted.

He is predeceased by his parents and infant great-niece, Natalie Grace Atkinson. 

Walter is survived by his sister, Wanda Watkins Atkinson and her husband, Dr. John Atkinson, Macon, GA; two nephews, Thomas Harold Atkinson and his wife Bethany, Decatur, GA, and Steven Pepper Atkinson and his wife Denise, Smyrna, GA; great niece and great nephews Luke and Landon Atkinson, Decatur, GA, and Corinne, Mark, Henry, and John Ellis Atkinson, Smyrna, GA.

The family expresses their deep appreciation to the staff at Harrington House and to the Physical Therapy Department for their care, love, and support shown to Walter.

Services will be private.  Donations may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, 582 Walnut St., Macon, GA, 31201, or to the donor’s favorite charity. 

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.

Hart’s on Cherry Street, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 765 Cherry Street, Macon, GA 31201 has charge of the arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Walter Thomas Watkins, please visit our floral store.