Tommy G. Watkins

Tommy G. Watkins

Tommy Gwyn Watkins, 83, of Fate passed away on Thursday morning, Sept. 6, 2018, in the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, Dallas.

His homecoming pep rally celebration will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15, at Gustine High School Gymnasium in Gustine.

He was born on Dec. 16, 1934, in Olney to Yvonne Vaught Watkins and George Collin Watkins.

He graduated from Odessa High School in 1953, then attended McMurry University, where he graduated in 1957.

He was an active member of the Pettit Baptist Church in Gustine before moving to Fate due to his health. He loved old hymns and loved singing them in his sweet tenor voice up until his death.

Coach Watkins began his 44-year career in Rotan and retired in 2001 in Rowlett. Throughout the years of his distinguished career, he earned numerous awards, three state football championships, many Coach of the Year honors, and was listed among Texas coaching greats in Dave Campbell’s Texas Football 50th Anniversary Edition. On July 21, 2010, Tommy was inducted into the Texas High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor.

Watkins was an avid fisherman who spent countless hours on lakes, rivers and ponds with his family, coaches, and friends. Many loving memories were created there.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Johnnie Watkins, Jerry Watkins and Bill Watkins; sister Gloria Burkhalter and her husband, O’Neil; mother- and father-in-law, Floriene and Cullen Stephens; and brother-in-law, Dean Howell.

Watkins is survived by his wife of 37 years, Sylvia Watkins; five daughters, Tanya Watkins Dorris and husband, Jon, Terri Watkins Burnett, Paige Watkins Cadenhead and husband, Rob, Shana Walker Rodriquez and husband, Mark, and Sharla Walker; his former wife, Pat Watkins; sister, Sandra Watkins Ritchie and husband, Gerald; three sisters-in-law, Delores Watkins, Connie Watkins, and Inantha Beth Stephens Howell; brother-in-law, Cullen Stephens Jr.; 15 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

He left behind a legacy for his much-loved extended family, as well as his life-long friends, colleagues and those fortunate enough to call him coach.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Alzheimer’s research or a charitable organization is requested.

The preceding is a paid obituary.

Tommy G. Watkins