Wilton Watkins (7-13-11)

BALDWIN - Wilton Watkins, 76 died peacefully on Wednesday, July 13, 2011, following a brief illness.

He was born in Banks County, on August 29, 1934, the son of the late William and Ethel Watson Watkins. Mr. Watkins was preceded in death by brothers, John, Tom, and Hubert Watkins; sisters, Lucille Cook, Ruby Watkins; and an infant daughter. He was a United States Army Veteran. Mr. Watkins also drove in local car races at the Banks County, Stephens County, and Hall County Speedways, and was avid NASCAR fan. He was a bus driver for the Habersham County School System for over 37 years. His favorite pasttimes were driving students to football games, basketball games, and various field trips. Mr. Watkins was of the Baptist denomination. He was a member of Cornelia Lodge #92 F&A.M., and was a member of Yaarab Temple, and Mountaineer Shrine Club.

Survivors include his sister, Nell Watkins, Baldwin; brothers and sisters-in-law, Fred and Frances Watkins, Mt. Airy, and Clyde and Brenda Watkins, Demorest; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m., Friday, July 15, at Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, with the Rev. Terry Rice officiating. Masonic rites will be provided by the Cornelia Masonic Lodge # 92 F&A.M. Interment will follow in the Yonah Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Frank Sailers officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the Habersham County American Legion Post # 84, Rabun County DAV Chapter 15, and the Grant Reeves VFW Post #7720.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 9 p.m., on Thursday, July 14, at Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin.

The family request that donations be made to the Bus Drivers Association, with all checks payable to Habersham County Buses Association, C/O Janice Robertson, P.O. Box 386, Clarkesville, GA or to the Shiners Hospital for Children, Burn Center, 815 Market Street, Galveston, Texas 77550-2725 (1-409-770-6600).

Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, has charge of arrangements.