On Wednesday, March 20, 2013 the Lord called Elder Willie B. Watkins Sr. of Sumter, SC home. He was born April 2, 1946 in Sparta, GA to George and Lizzie Mae Watkins Sr. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Keshia M. Watkins and his great granddaughter Dakota Watkins. He is survived by his former wife of 22 years Roda Elliott, friend and caregiver of 9 years, Anna; his children Alvin Franklin Sr. (FL), Willie B. Watkins Jr. (DC), Dennis D. Watkins Sr. (NJ), Walt Reyes (VA), Josephine Watkins (SC), Mary L. Council (GA), Nicole Smith (NJ), 32 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 5 sisters - Rose, Sarah, Pinky, Lizzy Kate, and Virginia, 2 brothers - Johnny and George Jr. and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Memorial Services will be Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at Glens Mary Baptist Church on Linton Highway, Sparta GA with Pastor McConico officiating at 2:00 pm with visitation starting at 1:15 pm. Memorial funds and donations for the services can be made to the family. Thank you to Pastor Jimmy Reeves Sr of Glens Mary Baptist Church, Glens Mary Baptist Church and family, Powers Funeral Home, Ingrams Funeral Home, Gill Casket Company, The McConico Family and a host of friends, relatives, and pastors. May God richly bless each of you, is our prayer. Death is not distinguishing the light, it is only putting out the lamp because the dawn has come - Rabindranath Tagore