Joel Ray Watkins

Mr. Joel Ray Watkins, 70, of Flowery Branch passed away Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville following a short illness.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Gainesville First Congregational Holiness Church. Rev. Keith Phagan, Rev. Bobby Griffin, Rev. Scotty Poole and Rev. Scott Ledbetter will officiate. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Memorial Park Funeral Home Monday, February 26, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Born on April 10, 1953 in Gainesville, he was the son of Virginia Turk Watkins and the late Ray Watkins. He was a graduate of North Hall High School. He was retired from Wrigley’s, after 40 plus years.

Joel was an exceptional and devoted Husband, Dad, and Papa. He attended The First Congregational Holiness Church of Gainesville, GA. Joel always put God first in all he did and encouraged others to do the same. He loved joking with others and seeing them smile. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Joel’s hobbies were gardening and fishing.

In addition to his father, Mr. Watkins was preceded in death by his brother in law, Kenny Thompson.

Mr. Watkins is survived by his wife of 45 years, Vicky Watkins of Gainesville; daughters and sons in law, Haley and Mike Jones of Toccoa, Bethany and Mark Floyd of Flowery Branch; mother, Virginia Watkins of Gainesville; grandson, Michael Jones; granddaughter, Amelia Jones; grandsons, Charlie Floyd, Lincoln Floyd; sister and brother in law, Sharon  and Gary Souther of Gainesville; sisters, Sondra Thompson of Clarksville, Shelia Lawson of Austell; brother and sister in law, Mark and Linda Watkins of Flowery Branch; brother, Chris Watkins and Paul Singh of Lilburn and a number of other loving relatives.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Road, Gainesville, GA  30504 is in charge of arrangements.

Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com