William Walter "Cooky" Watkins' Obituary
William Walter, “Cooky”, “Bill”, Watkins, 83 years old, of Kirby Pines Retirement Community in Memphis, Tennessee passed away on Dec. 20, 2021.
Bill was a retired teacher and Science/Technology Supervisor with Shelby County Schools and was a member of Gracepoint Baptist Church.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Elsie Watkins of Lucy, Tennessee and his former wife of 38 years, Glenda Smith.
Bill is survived by his wife, Rhetta Watkins, her son Phil (Mary Tom) Massey, of Memphis, Tennessee and her daughter, Brenda (Ed) Avery of Lakeland, Tennessee, and four grandchildren, Jordan Avery, Ethan Avery, Patrick Massey and Rhetta Massey. He is also survived by one brother, Rodger, “Shorty” (Kathy) Watkins of Bartlett, Tennessee and one sister, Cathy (Rickey) McDaniel of Millington, Tennessee and one brother-in-law, J.G. Raggett, of Atoka, Tennessee. Bill is additionally survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, former co-workers and his precious Ladybug.
Bill was an avid University of Memphis fan, and he was not only a Master Teacher, he was a Master Gardener.
The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, December 29 at 10:00 a.m. with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. all in the Fireside Chapel of Memorial park Funeral Home. Entombment to follow at Memorial Park Mausoleum.
Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN, 38119. (901) 767-8930
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