Thomas “Tom” Jones Watkins, Sr., age 86, of Clarksville, TN, passed away Tuesday, June 27, 2017.

Tom was born March 13, 1931, in Sandy Hook, CT, to the late Reginald Watkins and Ruth Jones Watkins.  He was also preceded in death by the mother of his children, Louise Watkins; one son, Clifford “Skip” Blanchard; three brothers, Ellwood Watkins, Randall Watkins, and John Watkins; and sister, Annalou Goodwin.

Tom was the owner of R.S. Watkins & Sons and New England Brush Wire.  He was a US Army veteran, having served a tour in Korea, during which time he attained the Korean Service Medal with a Bronze Service Star, the Combat Infantry Badge, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.  Mr. Watkins was a member of Hiram Masonic Lodge, in Newtown, CT and A.M. of Sandy Hook.  He was a lifelong member of Newtown United Methodist Church.  Tom was an avid hunter, loved travelling, and learning new things.  He was a lifelong resident of the Sandy Hook / Newtown, CT area, until moving to Kentucky in 2012 to be closer to his children and grandchildren, with whom he loved spending his time.   

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Sunday, July 16, at 1:00 PM, at the Chapel of Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, with Rev. Edward Colf officiating.  Visitation will be Sunday, July 16, from 11:00 AM until the hour of service, at the funeral home.

Tom is survived by one son, Thomas Watkins; three daughters, Beverly Watkins, Laurel Watkins-Lynch, and Ann Watkins; eight grandchildren, Barbara Blanchard, Brooke Watkins (Tyler) Young, Staci Lynch, Amanda Watkins (Taylor) Thieke, James Watkins-Lynch, Kaci Watkins-Lynch, Mara Watkins-Lynch, and Kalli Lynch; six great grandchildren, Megan Luchetta, D.J. Luchetta, Miranda Davis, Alex Davis, Clayton Thomas Thieke, and Jackson Jones Young; three great-great grandchildren, Liam, Aiden, and Braiden; and dear family friend, Margo McClain. 

Honorary Pallbearers will be James Watkins-Lynch, Tyler Young, Taylor Thieke, Clete Walker, Thomas Burks, Donald Crosby, Eddie Kearns, and Truman Adams. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ruth Watkins Meditation Garden, c/o Newtown United Methodist Church, 92 Church Hill Road, Sandy Hook, CT 06482.

Arrangements are entrusted to Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040; (931) 645-6488. Online condolences may be made at www.nealtarpleyparchman.com. 

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