Carmack Watkins

Carmack Watkins passed away at age 93 on Friday, Nov. 23, 2018. Carmack was born May 29, 1925 to parents John William Watkins and Monnie Lou Huffstutler. He was raised on the former Governor Buford H. Jester farm in the Emhouse area. On Jan. 14, 1944 he married the late Norma Jean Farmer, his high school sweetheart at Emhouse School. He is survived by his three children: Ronny Watkins and wife Barbara, Janice Watkins King, and Jerry Mack Watkins and wife Kay; eight grandchildren: Scott Watkins and wife Jeri, Brett Watkins and partner Nick, Brandye West, Keri Wright and husband Kyle, Kory Carmack King, Jason Kirby and wife Laurami, Ashley Feldt and husband Jake, and Lane Watkins. He is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren: McKenna, Caleb, Kathren, Magdalen, Lilliann, Gwendalen, Cooper, Carter Mack, Dax and Doak. Carmack served in the United States Army from Oct. 23, 1944 - July 1946. He served as a demolition specialist and sharp shooter while stationed in Germany towards the end of World War II. In 1957 Carmack brought out a small local contractor, thus beginning Watkins Construction. What started out as a small local construction company with four machines and five employees, is today Watkins Construction LLC, and employs approximately 1,000 personnel with offices in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma that support projects throughout a large part of the U.S. Carmack loved to hunt and to have Norma travel with him. He was very proud of the trophy room he created over the years and always had an exciting hunting story to tell. Carmack was interested in many civic affairs, serving on the Navarro Chamber of Commerce as President in 1997. He was instrumental in obtaining the extension of Dobbins Road. He was a member of Northside Baptist Church where he served on the Building Committee for years. He was an I.O.O.F Member of Corsicana Lodge #63 for over 45 years. He also enjoyed participating in the Navarro County Youth Exposition each year. For 68 years Carmack and Norma were an active couple with their family, business, the community and traveling. Carmack was also active with the Black Hills Cemetery Association where he served in various offices for many years. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to the Black Hill Cemetery Association: PO Box 2155, Corsicana, Texas 75151. The entire family would like to thank: Guardian Health Care, Action in Home Therapy, Hand In Hand Hospice, and especially New Century Hospice for their help during the past few years. The family also wants to thank Susanna Ledesma and the care-givers, nurses and aides that have helped with our father's care. Ronny and Jerry wish to express their deepest thanks to their sister, Janice, who without doubt, greatly extended the healthy life of their father by her constant attention and complete care. Visitation with the family will be 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018 at Griffin - Roughton Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26, 2018 at Northside Baptist Church with Debbie Keele and Randall Whitt officiating. A family graveside service will be held at Black Hills Cemetery.

Carmack Watkins

May 29, 1925 - November 23, 2018