Lawrence Watkins

Lawrence Gilbert Watkins was born on March 15, 1935, in Rogersville, Alabama to the late Willie Arsby and Ollie Haney Watkins and departed this world on December 20, 2022. Lawrence was a valued inspector at Reynolds Metal Company for over 30 years, until his retirement. Also, he served in the United States Army from 1958 until he was “honorably discharged” in 1960. He accepted Jesus Christ into his life at a very young age at Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Rogersville, Alabama. After joining St. James Missionary Baptist Church, he became passionately involved, holding such positions as Deacon, Church Treasurer, Choir Member, and President of the Bible Band. Lawrence met the love of his life, Rebecca Beatrice Asher Key, and they were married on July 28, 1980. They remained in love until her death in 2004. Within their union, a beautifully blended family was formed. Lawrence was preceded in death by his wife of 24 years, Rebecca Beatrice Watkins; one son, Reginald Key; his parents and three sisters; Jessie Lee Watkins Fuqua, Annie D. Watkins, and Cecil Watkins. Those who are left to cherish his memories include his sons, Anthony Koger of Flint, MI, Lawrence Gregory (Tirralan) Watkins of Los Angeles, CA, Vernon Key, Nathaniel “Jug” (Debbie) Key III, Melvin (Kimberly) Key, all of Florence, AL and Darrell (Varonica) Key of Toano, VA; daughters, Vivian (Clifford) Anderson of Florence, AL and Carol Ann Key of Kennesaw, GA; sisters, Willa Dean Jones of Town Creek, AL, Constance Minor of New York, NY; brother, Connie (Christine) Watkins of Cleveland, OH; brother-in-law, Willie (Lena) Asher of Ypsilanti, MI; sisters-inlaw, Shirley Rowlett, Easter Pearl Henderson, Pearl Asher, Dora Asher all of Florence, AL and Hattie Asher of Chicago, IL. Also, he was blessed with 23 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Lawrence was a person of few words who preferred to lead by example. He was a loyal, hard-working man of faith who loved his family immensely. As God’s ideal model of a loving husband, caring father and Christ-centered servant, Lawrence’s legacy of grace, class and strength will live on forever through those who loved him.

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