September 23, 1941 – September 27, 2026
Mickey Watkins, age 85 of Winchester, passed away peacefully at home on September 27, 2026. He was born in Franklin County on September 23, 1941, to the late Riley and Lillian (Garrard) Watkins.
Mickey loved his family and found joy in being outdoors. He especially loved hunting and fishing but was just as happy tending his garden or raking leaves. A graduate of Franklin County High School, Mickey played football and remained active in sports throughout his life. For many years, he played softball, sometimes on several teams at once.
Mickey was always willing to help someone in need. During ice storms, he would drive around looking for cars that had slid off the road and pull them out of ditches. Mickey and his wife, Carolyn, traveled all over the world, with Switzerland holding a special place as his favorite country. They also made a point of visiting as many Major League Baseball ballparks as they could. At home, they never missed an Atlanta Braves game on TV.
Over the years, Mickey worked at The Hat Factory and served as a Winchester police officer. He later worked for TVA, helping build Tims Ford Lake and Nickajack Dam operating heavy equipment. He worked at AEDC for many years, where he eventually retired.
He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved being around people. He was always ready with a joke and enjoyed pulling pranks with and on his coworkers, making them laugh all along the way. Mickey was a member of Winchester Methodist Church, where he served as an usher for many years. He especially enjoyed greeting and visiting with people as they came in. He will be remembered for his kindness, his laughter, and the joy he brought to those around him.
Mickey is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn (Smith) Watkins of 64 years; children, Wendy Schunk (Danny) and Jeff Watkins (Jill); grandchildren, Blake Schunk (Savanah), Curtis Schunk (Allison), Blake Hicks, and Lauren Hicks; brother, Jerry Watkins (Betty); and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to say a very special thank you to the Cornerstone caregivers and Amedisys Hospice for their care and compassion to Mickey and his family.
Donations can be made to Ronald McDonald House.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Watson Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the Roy B. Watson Chapel of Watson Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Watson Memorial Park.
Watson Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 405 Sharp Springs Road, Winchester, TN 37398, (931) 967-2345, www.watsonfhtn.com.
