William (Bill) Lavelle Watkins, Sr., age 79 of Jackson, MS passed away peacefully on Friday, January 19, 2024, at St. Dominic Hospital. Bill was a lifelong resident of Jackson and was born on August 27, 1944.

Bill graduated from Provine High School in 1962. He attended the University of Southern Mississippi and graduated from Mississippi College. He looked forward to every reunion so he could see his classmates that became lifelong friends.

Bill was owner of Jackson Rapid Delivery Service and was in the trucking industry for over 50 years until 2005 where he supported numerous local and national charities including an ongoing yearly scholarship for accounting majors at University of Southern Mississippi. He then worked in the insurance business until his retirement.

Bill loved local art, music, musicals, and sports. He was an avid reader, and a Jeopardy fan where he could have easily been a contestant. He loved socializing with his family and friends and frequented local places such as Primos for morning coffee, Martin's and Kathryn's.

Bill loved to laugh but more so, to make others laugh. He met countless people throughout his life that he called friends and up until his passing he still remembered every one of them. He took pride in his family and loved seeing and visiting his family and friends as often as he could.

Bill took care of his wife who had a traumatic brain injury from a car wreck over 21 years ago, without complaint.

Bill is survived by his wife Frances Messina Watkins of Jackson, MS; his three children, Deborah Twiner-Watkins (spouse Anita) of Gulfport, MS, William Watkins, Jr of Brandon, MS and Amy Davis (spouse Russell) of Watkinsville, GA. Also, his five grandchildren, William (Will) Watkins, III (spouse Kendall) of Brandon, MS, Tori King (spouse Price) of Wesson, MS, Brady Watkins of Brandon, MS, Arianna Davis of Watkinsville, GA, Aaron Davis of Watkinsville, GA and one great grandchild, Levi Watkins of Brandon, MS.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Arvel (Joe) Lavelle Watkins and Ruth Martin Watkins and his brother, David R Watkins.

A special thanks to all the caregivers and nurses from Comfort Keepers and Traditions Health during the past few years.

A visitation will be held Friday, January 26, 2024, at Wright & Ferguson in Flowood, MS from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. A celebration of life will take place Saturday at 2:00 pm with visitation from 1:00 to 2:00 pm. There will be no graveside services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the USM Foundation by mail to 118 College Dr #5210, Hattiesburg, MS 39406 or to Shower Power at showerpower.ms