MARTIN HARRY WATKINS, 66

WINTER HAVEN - Martin H. Watkins, 66, of Winter Haven, and formerly of Springfield, VT, died on Dec. 31, 2009 from complications from a motorcycle accident on Sept. 7th, 2009.

He was born April 9th, 1943, the son of Jessie and Rosemary Watkins of Winter Haven, FL. He was a 1960 graduate of Springfield VT High School and he attended one year of Co-Op. He worked for all three machine tool shops in Springfield, J & L, Bryants Grinder, Fellows Gear-Shaper.

In 1971, he opened his own used car lot, Marty Watkins Auto Sales on the Paddock Rd. In 1982, he moved his family to Winter Haven and he opened his Marty Watkins Auto Sales, which he had for 25 years, along with three other lots around Winter Haven. He attended many auto auctions in FL. He was well liked in the used car business. He loved old cards and he owned a '53 Ford which was like the first car he owned as a teen. He also has a '49 Ford pickup which he was working on. He also enjoyed the martial arts, which he was a black belt in Karate.

He was a sponsor of Marty Watkins Sunset Ladies League for 8 years and he supported several charities in our area. He supported the youth tournaments for USBC and different USBC tournaments and leagues. He loved the outdoors and the Mts. His loved for his family and hiking, biking, and relaxing in his comfy chair overlooking his property and lake. He spent m any vacations in the Mts of GA, NC, TN, VA and West VA, traveling in his motor home. He loved the river and brooks of all these states and when near one, he had to put his feet in the water. He loved his family life and home, which he took great pleasures in remodeling his home, which was great satisfaction for him when we had family get-togethers. 

He was married to Gloria Dustin of Drewsville, N.H., who predeceased him. Survivors include his parents, Jessie and Rosemary Watkins, Winter Haven, Colleen Watkins, wife of 33 years, 5 children: Vicki Buchanan of Lake Wales, Brian Watkins, Michael Watkins of Winter Haven, Chuck Carr of Largo, Chris Carr of Warren, Maine; brother Richard Watkins of Rockingham, VT. He had 13 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren of W.H., FL, Springfield, VT, Kentucky, N.Y. He has many cousins, nieces and nephews most who live in New England.

A memorial service and viewing will be held on Wed., Jan. 6, 2010 at Steele's Family Funeral Services, 207 Burns Lane S.E. on Dundee Rd., in Winter Haven, FL. 5-7pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Arbor Day Foundation in his name or plant a tree.

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/theledger/obituary.aspx?n=martin-harry-watkins&pid=138186551&fhid=3128