Rodney Eugene Watkins, age 59, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2022. Rod was born on December 30, 1962, in Sterling, IL and is survived by; his wife, Elaine; his daughter, Heather Elkin and granddaughters, Adie, Willow, and Lyla; his stepson, John Lee and grandsons, Brandon and Justin; and older brothers, William and Dave. Rod’s life was full of extended family and life-long friends as well who join in to celebrate his memory. He will be interned at Babbie Church Cemetery in Alabama. Rod did not desire for anyone to fuss over his passing, but instead, “build a fire and drink a beer”.
Patty chesser winslow
October 15, 2022, 9:44 am
Where do I start? My friend you were always a guiding light! Never at a loss for words ! Aways had to speak your mind . God love you ! Rip my friend .
James Kochheiser
October 15, 2022, 9:44 am
I knew Rod from VF-151 in 1984. He was a great shipmate and a most excellent sailor. He’s the kind the guy you’d always want on your team, especially when the going gets tough. Despite me retiring to the Philippines in 2017, Rod stayed in touch with me, as well as many other shipmates. He did so because he cared… Rod, I’m not there to celebrate your life with your family or commemorate your premature departure… but I can at least build a fire and raise a glass to you… Fair Winds, shipmate… and following seas. You can rest easy now knowing that our your shipmates have the watch. We’ll see you on the other side soon enough…
Watkins Store Outlet
November 29, 2022, 5:55 am
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Wayne Mitchell
August 4, 2024, 9:38 pm
I knew walkins. I work with him back in the year 1984 / 1985 on the USS Midway CV 41 with VF 151 as a plane captain. I was going to become a PR parachute rigger . I found it too boring. Watkins asked if I could take that place and he did. Last time I see Watkins, when he was a truck driver at the Milford all American truckstop in Pennsylvania. I think the year was 1995 really not sure the exact year. We talked for a few minutes and we had to part our ways as the responsibility as a truck driver. Sure nice to see him and reminisce from the past.