Ray Nelson Watkins

Ray Nelson Watkins September 29, 1922 - February 12, 2013 Ray Nelson Watkins, 90, of Waco, went home to be with his Lord Tuesday, February 12, 2013. Services will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, February 19, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home with his pastor, John Collier, officiating. Burial will follow at Rosemound Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., Monday, Feb. 18, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey. Ray was born September 29, 1922, in Waco, to Robert Leroy and Lizzie Mae Watkins. He graduated from Waco High School in 1941. Ray served in both the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy until 1945. He retired from Safeway Grocery Stores, Inc., in 1984 after 33 years. He married Ruby Ray Williamson in 1944. They celebrated their 68th anniversary this past December. He was a member of Parkview Baptist Church for many years. In his teenage years he sang bass in a gospel quartet at Faith Tabernacle Assembly of God. Music played an important part in his life. He was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Eula Watkins; brother, Robert E. Watkins; sister, Jewel Helm; and step-sisters, Thelma Bell and Catherine Wingrove. He is survived by his wife, Ruby, of Waco; son, Bobby Watkins and wife, Sharon, of Spokane, Washington; daughter, Nelda Glosson and husband, Lonnie, of Waco; grandsons, Lonnie Ray Glosson and wife, Alyssa, of Whitehouse, TX, and Larry Glosson and wife, Jana, of Chandler, TX; two great grandsons, Andrew Glosson and Nathan Glosson, both of Chandler; and many nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be John McNamara, Jerry Weaver, George Brinegar, Tom Len, Joey Crenshaw, and his nephew, John Helm. Thanks to the nurses and staff of the Rehab Center at Lake Shore Village for their care during Ray's stay with them following his heart attack. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com.