Henry Bradford Watkins

Henry Bradford Watkins, 89, of Gainesville passed away on Friday December 7, 2012 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center following an extended illness.

Funeral services are scheduled for Sunday, December 9, 2012 at 2:30pm in the chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home with interment to follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Rev. Tim Watkins, Rev. Lanair Tatum and Rev. Frank Spivey will officiate. The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 8, 2012 from 7pm-9pm and Sunday, December 9, 2012 from 12pm-2:15pm, prior to the service at the funeral home.

Mr. Watkins was born June 28, 1923 in Cleveland GA to the late William and Lena Watkins. When he was 9 years old they moved to Gainesville where he lived the remainder of his life. Bradford served during World War II in the Army 689th Ordnance Ammunition Company and was in the Battle of the Bulge. He was retired from the Wm. Wrigley Company. He was a member of First Congregational Holiness Church, Gainesville. Bradford was a wonderful husband, father, father-in-law, & grandfather, but most importantly he lived his life as a great example and testimony of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

He was preceded in death by his wonderful wife, Margie Neil Watkins, his parents, and his brothers: Roy Watkins, Lewis Watkins, Vernon Watkins, and Ray Watkins.

Mr. Watkins is survived by his son & daughter Rev. Tim and Janet Watkins of Gainesville, grandchildren Anna Freeman and husband Caleb of Cleveland, Emily Freeman and husband Todd of Harvest, AL, Will Watkins, Mary Leah Watkins and Seth Watkins of Gainesville, great grandsons Casden and Brydence Freeman of Harvest AL, his brother Loy Watkins of Gainesville, and sister-in-laws Virgina Watkins of Gainesville, and Freda Watkins of Bogart, and a number of nieces and nephews.

The family thanks the entire staff of Morningside Assisting Living Home of Gainesville for all the love and kindness they showed Bradford during his wonderful time there.

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

Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.