James Clinton (Clint) Watkins

James Clinton Watkins, 71 of Tallahassee, FL finished the race on Wednesday, April 23, 2014. His funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2014, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 211 N. Monroe Street. A reception will be held in Eve’s Garden at the church immediately following the service. Clint was born October 17, 1942, in Wolf Pit Township, Richmond County, North Carolina, son of the late Henry Porter Watkins and Mary J. Carpenter Watkins. His family moved to Virginia when he was 4 and he grew up in Hopewell, Virginia. He graduated from Hopewell High School, class of ’61 and received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, class of ’74. He was a loving and devoted spouse to his wife, Margie and a loving, gentle and caring father to Jordan, Ruthie, Debbie and Jimmy. An active and involved member of St. John’s Episcopal Church for thirty six years, Clint lived his life as an example to others. He quietly served all he loved as a mentor, adviser, counselor and friend, making a profound impact on the lives of those with whom he worked, served, ran, and lived his life. He was the Risk Manager for 33 years at McKenzie Tank Lines based here in Tallahassee. He actively served the community as a past member, treasurer, and President of Lake Jackson Kiwanis Club; as board member and officer of PTO’s at the elementary, middle and High School level; band booster groups, and other organizations and groups supporting the education, health and growth of his own children and other young people. A passionate runner, he was a member of the Gulf Winds Track Club for over 33 years, serving on the board, honored to be chosen as a Runner of the year, often winning his age group award, and encouraging and mentoring hundreds of others about the importance and how to’s of running the race to finish well, not necessarily to win. Quiet and unassuming he was solid to the core. He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Margie Caroline Joyner Watkins, his children, Jordan Harris Watkins, Tallahassee; Ruth Watkins Mason (Jonathan David Mason), Tallahassee; Debra Lynn Watkins Council, Virginia; and James Clinton Watkins, Jr. (Mary Thoby), Virginia; beloved grandchildren Caroline Elizabeth Mason and Stephen Parker Mason, Tallahassee; nieces and nephews Sherri Joyner Yoho (David Yoho), Andrew Bland Joyner, and Bruce Wayne Joyner; great nieces, nephews and Godsons, Jereme David Yoho and Andrew Wade Yoho; Amy Joyner Conney-Mellington; Britton Lee Winfrey, John Randall Winfrey, Angela Frenger; Bradley, Bailey, Hunter and Jack Joyner; Luna Yoho; and brother-in-law, A. Bruce Joyner (Anita) of Virginia. He was preceded in death by his Parents, Henry Porter (Buck) Watkins and Mary J. Carpenter Watkins, and niece Alise Marie Joyner Winfrey. He leaves behind many loving caring friends. Memorial Donations may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church. Bevis Funeral Home, 850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com, is assisting the family with their arrangements.

Tributes

James Clinton (Clint) Watkins

October 17, 1942 - April 23, 2014