Wilton Watkins

Wilton Watkins, age 76 of Baldwin, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 13, 2011, following and brief illness.

Mr. Watkins was born in Banks County, Georgia, on August 29, 1934 to the late William and Ethel Watson Watkins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, John, Tom, and Hubert Watkins, sisters, Lucille Cook, Ruby Watkins, and an infant daughter. He was a United States Army Veteran. Mr. Watkins also drove in local car races at the Banks County, Stephens County, and Hall County Speedways, and was avid NASCAR fan. Mr. Watkins was a Bus Driver for the Habersham County School System for over 37 years. His favorite past times were driving students to football games, basketball games, and various field trips. Mr. Watkins was of the Baptist faith. He was a member of Cornelia Lodge #92 F&A.M., and was a member of Yaarab Temple, and Mountaineer Shrine Club.

Survivors include his sister, Nell Watkins, Baldwin, GA; brothers and sisters-in-law, Fred and Frances Watkins, Mt. Airy, GA and Clyde and Brenda Watkins, Demorest, GA; several nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 15, 2011, at Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, GA with Rev. Terry Rice officiating. Masonic rites will be provided by the Cornelia Masonic Lodge # 92 F&A.M. Interment will follow in the Yonah Memorial Gardens with Rev. Frank Sailers officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the Habersham County American Legion Post # 84, Rabun County DAV Chapter 15, and the Grant Reeves VFW Post #7720.

The family will receive friends from 5-9 p.m., on Thursday, July 14, 2011, at Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, GA.

The family request that donations be made to the Bus Driver's Association, with all checks payable to Habersham County Buses Association, C/O Janice Robertson, P.O. Box 386, Clarkesville, GA or to the Shiner's Hospital for Children, Burn Center, 815 Market Street, Galveston, Texas 77550-2725 (1-409-770-6600).

Those wishing to express condolences to the Watkins family may do so by visiting www.whitfieldfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements are in the care of the Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, GA. 706-778-7123