William Watkins

This world has lost an Arkansas original. Wednesday, April 20, 2016, William "Bill" Harrison Watkins, Sr., of Maumelle, Arkansas, went on to meet his beloved creator. Born in Scotland, Arkansas, April 23, 1932, he grew up on a hardscrabble farm, before moving with his parents to live on a houseboat on the White River near Des Arc. He quit school in the seventh grade to concentrate on hunting and fishing. Called to the Korean War, he made a perfect score on an IQ and aptitude test, and served as head of the motor pool during the war. He ended his service teaching math in the high school completion program for infantry (without having a diploma himself). After the war, he got a degree in engineering and worked for Kodak and Westinghouse in Missouri and Ohio, then Singer and Franklin Electric in Jacksonville, Ark., where he was chief engineer. He held several patents, and designed the fuel pump system for the B52, still in use keeping America safe. He quit the corporate world and started Watkins Realty in Maumelle, Arkansas, which he ran with his wife, Janet, and youngest son, Bud. In retirement, he had many adventures. He went down the Mississippi River from its source at Lake Itasca to Minneapolis, 836 miles in an open canoe with his second son, Don. He was a frequent storyteller and humor man for the Rackensack Folklore Society. Former president, Society of Manufacturing Engineers; board member, North Pulaski Board of Realtors; deacon, First Baptist Church of Maumelle; and member, Fellowship Bible Church of Little Rock. Born of Arthur William Watkins and Maudie Jane (Dodd) Watkins.

Survived by wife, best friend, and business partner of 44 years 10 months Janet (Smith) Watkins; one sister, Myrtle Lance, age 96; four sons William Harrison Watkins, Jr., Donald James Watkins Asher, Clyde Anthony Watkins, BillAlvin Z. "Bud" Watkins, and many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. Predeceased by siblings Eva Mae, Arthur, Elmer, Ethyl, and Nadine; first wife Ruby Faye (Asher) Ausbrooks.

The family wants to thank Drs. Stern, Mendelson, and Roach for their expert care.

Viewing at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe from 8:30-5:00 Friday; graveside viewing at 2 p.m., with service at 2:45, at Salem Cemetery at the corner of Bethlehem and County Line roads, east of Cabot, on what would have been his 84th birthday, Saturday, April 23. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, a Certified Veterans Funeral Care Provider.