Final Salute

Paul Wynns Watkins, 77, of Morrilton, Arkansas, passed away on Friday, October 23, 2026, in Conway, Arkansas. Born June 30, 1949, in Louisville, Kentucky, to the late William Bernard Watkins Jr. and Ruth Everson Watkins, Paul graduated from Eastern High School in Middletown, Kentucky, in 1967 and earned his master’s degree from the University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering in 1972. A member of ROTC, he went on to serve as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Seabees. After six years in the Navy, a position with Chicopee Manufacturing Company brought him to Arkansas. In 1985, he joined Cromwell Architects Engineers in Little Rock as an electrical engineer, earned his professional engineering license, and retired after 30 years of a fulfilling career.
Paul met the love of his life, Louise, in Sunday school at Indian Hills Church in North Little Rock, and they married on January 26, 1980. Their daughter, Jane, and son, David, were born while the family lived in Sherwood. In 1985, Paul moved the family to Cabot, Arkansas, where he spent the next 39 years raising his family and later enjoying retirement. In 2024, he and Louise moved to Morrilton to be close to their children and grandchildren.
Paul was an active member of Indian Hills Church for more than 35 years and, more recently, Grace Community Church in Ward, Arkansas. He loved working in his vegetable garden, riding his tractor, and jogging, and he even earned his private pilot license. In retirement, he enjoyed cheering at his grandchildren’s ballgames, watching SEC football and basketball, and swimming in his backyard pool. He always cherished the many road trips to Kentucky to visit his parents, brothers, nieces, and nephews.
Paul is survived by his wife of 46 years, Louise Campbell; his children, Jane (Jason) Kaufman and David (Candice) Watkins; his grandchildren, Noah Kaufman, Bo Kaufman, Campbell Watkins, Amelia Watkins, Marley Watkins, and Ellowyn Watkins, all of Morrilton, Arkansas; his brother, Lee (Marilyn) Watkins of Bowling Green, Kentucky; and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Bernard Watkins Jr. and Ruth Everson Watkins, and his brothers, William Bernard Watkins III and Phillip Watkins.
Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Perry County Nursing and Rehab Center, Superior Health and Rehab, and Hospice Home Care for their compassionate care and support over the last five months.
Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 29, at the Harris Chapel with Pastor Steve Greer officiating. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery in Russellville, Arkansas. The family will receive friends one hour before services at the funeral home.

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