Ralph "Waldo" Thomas Watkins

Ralph “Waldo” Thomas Watkins, 80 of Grafton, passed away Tuesday September 1, 2020 at his residence with his loving family by his side. He was born May 5, 1940 in Independence, son of the late Lonnie and Josephine Collins Watkins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon Matthews Watkins, February 24, 1992.

Waldo is survived by two children, Eva Jo Watkins, and Randy Watkins both of Grafton, four grandchildren, Corey Randall Watkins and wife Courtney, Zachary Thomas Watkins, Hillary Mayle, Jacinda Lantz, one great granddaughter, Emerie Grace Watkins, special niece, and caregiver Sarah (Watkins) Lash, three sisters, Juanita Wyatt, Independence, Mary Auvil, Gladesville, Wilma Larew and husband Bill, Mt. Storm, two brothers, Paul Ershell Watkins, Grafton, Dale Watkins and wife Linda, Grafton.

Waldo worked at the McWilliams Mobile Station in Grafton for 48 years. He enjoyed working with Ron McWilliams and recognized him not only as an employer but a true friend. His job was never really work for him as he was doing what he loved to do. He made countless friends over the years at the station. Waldo worked on vehicles but he could also tell a good tale too. He loved being in the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing. His family and friends were what he believed to be his largest accomplishments of life and enjoyed every minute he spent with them. Waldo was an avid WVU Mountaineer and Grafton Bearcats fan.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by one son, Ronald Watkins, three sisters, Shirley Weaver, Minnie Jenkins, Betty List, three brothers, Lonnie Watkins, Manfred (Jake)Watkins, Gene Watkins

Friends may call at Bartlett Funeral Home, 202 McGraw Ave., Grafton, on Sunday, September 6, 2020 from 12 Noon to 6:00PM. with proper distancing and face mask preferred, and on Monday, September 7, 2020 from 9:00AM to the funeral hour at 11:00 AM with Pastor Chuck Jeffries officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. Online condolences can be sent to the Watkins family at www.bartlettfuneralhomewv.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to his Funeral Care Fund on his memorial page on our website. Bartlett funeral Home is honored to be handling the arrangements for the Watkins family.

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