Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel
912-754-6421 (fax) 912-754-3426
P.O. Box 295
Springfield, GA 31329

Howard Lester Watkins, Jr.
Springfield – Howard Lester Watkins, Jr., 67, passed away Sunday, November 6, 2016 at his residence surrounded by his family.
The Chatham County native was a decorated U.S. Marine veteran who served in Vietnam. He was a loving and devoted Christian, husband, father, and papa. A 1996 stroke survivor, Howard was awarded Stroke Survivor of the Year from the American Heart Association. Howard was a deacon of his church, an avid sports fan and fisherman. He worked many years in the floor covering industry and was employed by Wiley's Home Center.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard L. Watkins, Sr. and Betty Jean Watkins.
Survivors include his wife, Rickie Watkins; children, Alyssa Weber (Andy), Leslie Watkins (Laura), Trey Watkins (Lauren), and Angela Sanders (Jason); 10 grandchildren; sisters, Dianne Hargroves and Lynda Terry; brother, Jimmy Watkins.
Visitation will be 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home followed by funeral services at 11:30 a.m. in the chapel.
Interment will follow in Effingham Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers remembrances may be given to Wounded Warriors, www.woundedwarriorproject.org or Ronald McDonald House, www.rmhccoastalempire.org
Thomas C. Strickland & Sons
Funeral Home
Effingham Chapel
(912)754-6421