Patric Hoyl Watkins

Jokester and retired Chief Petty Officer Patric “Pops” Watkins love of life didn’t come to an end with his death.  Pops passed away on January 22, 2022 at the age of 87, at home  accompanied by his loving wife who will continue to honor his legacy of living her life to the fullest.

Pops graduated from Lincoln HeightHigh School and enlisted into the United States Navy where he served and retired after 25 years .  Pops had many passions.  He loved to cook, travel, read, and debate to name a few.  During his retirement Pops passed on his passion for cooking by inviting his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren in the kitchen to learn and cook with him.  He loved to bake.  He shared his techniques and recipes and joked that he was a better cook than his wife who he affectionately called Barb.  He never could understand why she just could not get that meatloaf right. 

He had an impeccable sense of taste and smell and could tell what was missing from a dish without even tasting it but just by smelling it.  It drove Barbara crazy, truth is she knew he was the better cook.

It was through his service in the military that Pops was introduced to his travels.  While in the service he traveled all over the world.  His mission was to visit every state, when he was no longer able to travel, he read books about the states he had not yet visited, used atlases to learn about the crops, and maps to navigate his route there.

Pops was an intellectual and great debater.  His love for debating is what drove most of his conversations.  Whenever you saw Pops you saw a newspaper.  He loved the funnies but he also just loved to read.  He shared his love for reading.  He’d say reading takes you where the body won’t.  If you learn how to read properly your mind will take you there through imagination.  He always knew current events, and the weather.

He kept up with technology, almost better than most.  Whenever he learned something new he did not hesitate to share.  He however preferred the old school method.    He liked using encyclopedias, atlases, maps, and more.  He would often say you need to know how to use a map.  If you get stuck on your travels and cannot read a map you will be lost.  One of these times that dingy ole phone will lose signal and will not work, and then you are just stuck.  Pops loved nothing more than to sit, talk, and pick your brain.  He loved his family and spending time just talking with them.  He would often make things to debate about or pick the opposing opinion to the conversation to get a rise out of you.  Then when you were all worked up he’d just chuckle.  It was through his debates that he shared his life’s experiences and how he made it through all while calling you bird.

Pops was smart as a whip and kept his mind sharp even when his body could not keep up.  He loved to play crossword puzzles, read the funnies; and play lots of jokes.  He kept the room laughing however his greatest love was his wife Barbara who he affectionately married on November 25, 1959; and the family they had together.  She is “Bonnie” and he was “Clyde” partners for life. 

To cherish his memory and honor his legacy of “Strength in Family” he leaves behind wife Barbara Watkins, daughters Cynthia Watkins-Lucas, Lisa Knox, Patricia Reichert, Crystal Watkins, son Gregory Watkins, brother JC Watkins, and a host of grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the St. Jude’s Foundation.

Memories last a lifetime only if you share them.

On behalf of the family, we encourage you share your personal experiences and preserve the memory of Patrick for future generations to come.

Be the first to post your most treasured memory of Patrick. Show your support by sharing a personal message or story on the tribute wall, meaningful photo or video, and/or sending a gift or flower.

Follow us:
Facebook at E. Vaughn Wray Funeral Establishment
Instagram @evaughnwray