The Reverend Walter D. “Jack” Watkins, 84, entered into his eternal reward on January 14, 2016. He was born in Glen Allan, Mississippi, to the late Herschel Hance Watkins and Dorothy A. Watkins on July 22, 1931. He had four sisters and one brother, all having pre-deceased him. Reverend Watkins lived in numerous locations during his early years but eventually settled in the Mississippi Delta and graduated from Anguilla High School. While at Anguilla High School, he met his future wife, Helen McClellan, whom he married in 1951. To this marriage were born three children, all of whom survive him. They are Walter Van Watkins (Marsha), Dennis Wayne Watkins (Carol), and Virginia Ann Howard (Dave). After a beautiful 49-year marriage, Helen passed away. The family was blessed with eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. In 2002, Reverend Watkins was blessed to marry Myrtle Holley, whose husband, Harry Holley, had pre-deceased her. Reverend Watkins and his family had a long previous association with Myrtle’s family and he had been their pastor for numerous years. In the final years of his life he was blessed to have Myrtle as a wonderful companion and he is survived by her four children: Karen Coleman, Angelia Casavechia (Robert), Kelly Casavechia (Michael), and Gregg Holley; and their families. Although he began his early career life in the auto parts business, Reverend Watkins felt a call to become a minister of the Gospel, and he answered that call and became a pastor in the Church of God at Indianola, Mississippi. This began a long and fruitful life in ministry as a pastor of numerous churches and also as a bishop/overseer in the Church of God in numerous states. His pastorates were in Indianola, Mississippi, Greenville, Mississippi, Jackson, Mississippi, and finally in Middletown, Ohio. He served in church administration as a bishop in Washington, California and Ohio. Reverend Watkins continued his education throughout his ministry and attended Belhaven College, Jackson, Mississippi. His final assignment in ministry was at the Stratford Heights Church of God in Middletown, Ohio, where he served his last eighteen years in ministry. Under his leadership, the Stratford Heights Church thrived and prospered, and upon his retirement, he remained as Pastor Emeritus. The Stratford Heights Church was his final passion in ministry, which passion he carried to his last day. Reverend Watkins was known as a compassionate, diligent, honorable, and prayerful minister who served his Lord with integrity. One of his final statements to his family was “I have fought a good fight.” Visitation will be held on Monday, January 18, 2016 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Stratford Heights Church of God. The Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at 2:00 PM at the church with Pastor Ray Phillips officiating. Interment will follow at Woodside Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be sent to Stratford Heights Church of God Mission Fund, 4419 Nelson Rd., Middletown, OH 45042. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.bakerstevensparramore.com.