Granvel (Jack) Watkins, 92 of Caddo Mills went home to be with his Savior April 7, 2016. Born in Inverness, Mississippi on January 22, 1924 to John Mack and Mary Lou Clarady Watkins. He served in the 507th Airborne Infantry during WWII parachuting into France on D-Day and spending over 11 months as a prisoner-of-war before escaping and working his way to the Allied lines. He spent the remainder of the war until his discharge recuperating from his captivity. He married LaVerne McMillin on August 16, 1946. In the late 40s they moved to Houston where he worked until retiring from Rainbo Baking Co. after which they relocated in 1996 to Caddo Mills. He enjoyed fishing, travel, watching the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers, playing games with friends and family, mowing, Blue Bell Ice Cream and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jack served his Lord in many ways through his church and was loved by all who knew him. He was a member of New Life Church at Covenant Ranch in Caddo Mills and a former member of Park Street Baptist Church in Greenville.
He is survived by his wife, LaVerne of Caddo Mills; sons, Rod Watkins (Karen) of Caddo Mills, and Steve Watkins (Renee) of Cedar Park, son-in-law, Ken Benedict of Arlington; grandchildren, Amy Watkins Berthold (Robert), Brian Watkins (Teresa), Shawn Watkins (Amanda), Trey Benedict (Shellyn), Stacy Watkins, Cody Watkins, Rachel Benedict Olheiser (Daniel) and Jeremy Watkins; and 3 great grandchildren.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Cathy Benedict; brother, Joe Mack Watkins; and sisters, Minnie Harrell, Sue Morra, Louise Taylor and Betty Williams.
Visitation will be Saturday, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home in Greenville. A celebration of life service will be held Sunday at 2:00 p.m. in Caddo Mills at New Life Church at Covenant Ranch, 3636 FM 36 with graveside service to follow at the IOOF Cemetery in Caddo Mills.