Thomas "Tom" Jones Watkins, Sr, 86, of Clarksville, Tenn., died June 27. He was born March 13, 1931, in Sandy Hook, a son of the late Ruth Jones Watkins and Reginald Watkins. He was a lifelong resident of the Sandy Hook and Newtown area, until moving to Kentucky in 2012 to be closer to his children and grandchildren, with whom he loved spending his time.

His son, Thomas Watkins; three daughters, Beverly Watkins, Laurel Watkins-Lynch, and Ann Watkins; eight grandchildren and their spouses, Barbara Blanchard, Brooke Watkins and Tyler Young, Staci Lynch, Amanda Watkins and Taylor Thieke, James Watkins-Lynch, Kaci Watkins-Lynch, Mara Watkins-Lynch, and Kalli Lynch; six great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and a dear family friend survive him.

In addition to his parents, the mother of his children, Louise Watkins; one son, Clifford "Skip" Blanchard; three brothers, Ellwood Watkins, Randall Watkins, and John Watkins; and sister Annalou Goodwin predeceased him.

Mr Watkins was the owner of R.S. Watkins & Sons and New England Brush Wire.

He was a US Army veteran, having served a tour in Korea, during which time he attained the Korean Service Medal with a Bronze Service Star, the Combat Infantry Badge, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

Mr Watkins was a member of Hiram Masonic Lodge in Newtown and A.M. of Sandy Hook. He was a lifelong member of Newtown United Methodist Church. Mr Watkins was an avid hunter, loved traveling, and learning new things.

Visitation will be Sunday, July 16, from 11 am to 1 pm, at the Chapel of Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, with a Celebration of Life Service beginning at 1 pm, with the Reverend Edward Colf officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ruth Watkins Meditation Garden, c/o Newtown United Methodist Church, 92 Church Hill Road, Sandy Hook CT 06482.

To leave an online condolence, visit nealtarpleyparchman.com.