Mr. Randall Gene Watkins, age 71, of Rome, GA, passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in a local hospital.

                Mr. Watkins was born in Pickens County, GA, on April 9, 1953, son of the late William C. Watkins and the late Inez Pendley Watkins. He was also preceded in death by 2 siblings, Linda Watkins and William Watkins, Jr. Mr. Watkins was a graduate of Pickens County High School and went on to receive his 2-year degree from Pickens Technical School (now Appalachian Technical College). After graduation he embarked on an over 52-year career with Georgia Power/Southern Company. Beginning in 1972 as a communications technician, he worked his way up to his most recent position as a telecommunication engineer.  Mr. Watkins was a member of Long Swamp Baptist Church, Jasper, GA.

                Known for his height and booming, deep, “radio” voice, Mr. Watkins was often called upon to emcee “Car Club” events that he and his wife were members of.  He was a jack-of-all-trades and could fix anything he put his hands on, especially his cars.  Mr. Watkins loved his cars but had a special love of his red Dodge Pickup truck (evident by the only 50,000 miles he has put on it in the last 23 years). Above all he loved his family.  Mr. Watkins loved his children and were so proud of the adults they have become and was especially proud of the 2 grandsons his children gifted him with. His grandsons were the light of his life. He loved aggravating his family but always made sure they knew he loved them more than anything.

                Survivors include his wife, Wanda Clark Watkins, Rome; 2 children, Amanda Morgan (James), Rome, and William Watkins (Ashley), Bishop; 2 grandsons, Noah Morgan and Wyatt Watkins; his brother, Jerry Watkins (Lisa); a very special cousin, Betty Estes (Virlyn); numerous nieces, nephews and other cousins.

                Funeral services will be held at 1pm on Sunday, April 14, 2024, in the Chapel at Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, South Chapel, with Coy Trosclair and Rev. Mac McCurry officiating. Interment will follow in Long Swamp Baptist Church Cemetery, Jasper, GA.

                The family will receive friends from 3pm until 5pm on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, South Chapel.

                Pallbearers are to assemble by 12:30pm on Sunday at Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, South Chapel, and include: Jason Carey, Michael Nicholson, Jason Guffey, Andrew Clark, Taylor Black and Evan Johnson.

                Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, South Chapel, has charge of funeral arrangements.