Tony Denson Watkins, of Graceville, passed away suddenly at this home on September 11, 2022. Tony was born in Opelika, Alabama on August 18, 1962.
Tony was a giving, caring and selfless soul. For many years Tony taught agriculture in Slocomb, Alabama and later continued his career in Marianna, Florida. Tony was an inspiration to his students through his dedication and true love for his work and his students. As was expressed by one friend Tony was a shining example of a life very well lived in the service of others. Anyone that knew Tony loved him. His sense of humor, hard work and willingness to give to others was well known by all. When he was not travelling with his student on an FFA trip he loved to golf and watch anything Auburn, Nascar and his Corgi dogs. Tony was an example to us all of what a person should be.
Tony is preceded in death by his parents James Dewey and Maynelle Chafin Watkins, sisters Deloris Waller and Rita Watkins and in-laws- James and Janice Calloway.
He is survived by his wife of 29 years Michelle Calloway Watkins, brother Dana (Carole) Watkins, sister Sheri (Tony) Armstrong, nephews Kevin (Laurel) Armstrong and Kyle (Nicole) Armstrong, brothers-in-law Keith (Diane) Calloway and Kevin Calloway.
A Celebration of His Life will be held 10 a.m., Friday, September 16, 2022, at the Graceville Civic Center 5224 Brown Street Graceville, FL 32440, with Dr. Naethan Hendrix, Dr. David Coggins, Bro. Alvin Johnson, and Bro. Chris Franklin officiating. Interment will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens in Marianna, Florida with James & Lipford Funeral Home in Graceville directing.
Visitation will be Thursday, September 15, 2022, from 5:00 PM until 7 PM.
In lieu of flowers family request memorials be made in Tony’s memory to the Chipola FFA Federation Account c/o Jackson County Teachers Credit Union mailing address P.O. Box 954 Marianna, FL 32447 or the location 4466 Clinton Street Marianna, Florida 32446.
Expressions of remembrance and sympathy can be made at www.jamesandlipford.com
