Cecil Lee Watkins

     Cecil Lee Watkins was the Son of Gillie & Marshall Watkins and Husband, of 57 years, to Brenda Gaye Watkins. Survived by his Wife Brenda, and Children; Timothy Lee Watkins - Husband to Bobbi J. Watkins, Cindy Gaye Watkins - Wife to Kevin Lee Sumner, Special Daughter, Emily Pauline Burton - Wife to Mason E.D. Burton and His 4-legged companion Sissy Dog Watkins. As well as his Grandchildren; Chloe Watkins, Carlee Watkins, Joshua Watkins - Husband to Stormie Watkins, Noah Ruble, and Christian Boyd; Continuing are His Great Grandchildren, Levi Farmer, Gracie Farmer, Knox Cecil Watkins, Aubree Davis, James Matusevich-via.

     Cecil has joined in Heaven his Brother’s; Bunnie Watkins, Raymond Watkins, Henry Watkins, Brudge Watkins, Ferd Watkins, Isiah Watkins, and Nathaniel Watkins as well as his Sister’s; Pauline Seren, Ester Farmer, and Bertha Belcher.

     Cecil Lee Watkins joined the U.S Navy and served on the U.S.S Yorktown (CV-10) from 1963 to 1967. He spent some time as a Coal miner in the Pocohontas Coal Mines before moving on to work with U.S. Steel as a Continuous Miner Operator. He went on to give 24 years of service to the company and the U.M.W.A before retiring. Shortly thereafter, he was called by The Lord to begin his work as a Pastor, spreading the word of God to Lackie Pentecostal Church and Billy Sundays Church for over a decade.

     Cecil was more than only a Coal Miner, Pastor, and Retired Service Member. He was an avid Hunter, Expert Angler, and nothing shy of a Master Gun smith. Cecil spent countless hours on the waters and banks of the New River, among other bodies of water, with his Family and Friends catching what can only be referred to as " A pile of Fish" through the years. He masterfully hunted the woods of McDowell to Mercer County and beyond spending hours upon hours being one with Gods country and bringing home to his family many of bounty. Through the years Cecil spent a number of hours honing his craft and rising to a level nothing short of a self-made Master Gunsmith. From firearm modifications and repairs, to loading his own rounds of ammunition, Cecil’s passion for firearms was prominent throughout his life. Among his joys, Cecil was no stranger to the road. He enjoyed long rides with his wife through the hills of Virginia and West Virginia sightseeing and storytelling through Hinton Wv, and shopping for his favorite essentials at the Amish shop off Rt. 100. Included in the many things mentioned here, Cecil was a loving Husband, Father Grand Father, Great Grand Father, Brother to many. All around a gift from God to those of whose lives he touched over the past 84 years!

Funeral services for Mr. Watkins will be on Friday March 20th, 2026 at 1PM at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell with ministers Jim Sanson and Ronnie Reeves presiding, Mercer County Veterans Honor Guard will conduct full military graveside rites. Friends may call Friday from 11AM to 1PM, burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park with Dustin Foster, Mason Burton, Levi Farmer, Jody Dalton, and Emily Burton serving as Pallbearers. Cravens-Shires Funeral Home is serving the Watkins family.

Rest in Peace,

                         Cecil Lee Watkins -- Your work on earth is Done!