George Holloway Watkins

Mr. George Holloway Watkins, 80, of Newnan, passed away, Monday, April 4, 2023, at his residence. Mr. Watkins was born in Charleston, SC, on November 1, 1942, to the late George Washington Watkins and the late Martha Willene Holloway Watkins. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Vicki Watkins; and sister, Sandra Butterworth. Survivors include his wife, Susan Smith Watkins; children, Randall George Watkins (Paige), Russell Lanier Watkins, Robert Floyd Watkins (Christine) & Heath Ryan Behnert (Cheryl Finks); grandchildren, Aaron Watkins, Alex Watkins, Reagan Watkins, Landon Stephens, Tyler Watkins, Eve Long & Ryan Behnert; and sisters, Marsha Ashbaugh (Rusty) & Glenda Watkins.

After graduating high school in 1960, George attended the Citadel Military College and Georgia Tech. By the late 1960’s, George worked full time for Watkins Service Company. Watkins Service, founded by George’s father in 1948, specialized in petroleum equipment installation and service. George soon assumed a leadership role with the company and by the late 1970’s was president and primary owner.  In the 1980’s, George grew Watkins Service Company to over 75 employees and four locations in the state of Georgia. Watkins Service was known as a leading distributor of petroleum equipment throughout the Southeastern United States. George expanded the business further with car wash and commercial construction subsidiaries. George was known as a pioneer in petroleum equipment technology and education throughout the industry.  Upon retiring in 2003, he served as an expert witness and consultant in many petroleum-related legal cases and business ventures. George’s son, Robby, continues the Watkins Service legacy to this day, carrying the family business across nine decades. After retirement, George studied genealogy, tracing his ancestry back to the 400’s (before the internet made it easy to do so as well). He was an avid historian, becoming an expert at Civil War history and a collector of Jeeps (real and model toys).

A celebration of life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at First Baptist Church of Newnan. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, from 10:30 a.m. until the hour of service, at the church.

Higgins Funeral Home Hillcrest Chapel is honored to serve the family of Mr. George Holloway Watkins, please visit www.hillcrestchapelcares.com to share your memories or leave a condolence message.

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