Rickey Donald Watkins

Rickey Donald Watkins, 73, took his final breath surrounded by loved ones at his home in Byhalia, MS, on November 4, 2024. 

He would have slipped by Death unnoticed if not for the speed of his illness. His love of the natural world kept him constantly on the move. Born on March 30, 1951, to Earl “Barlow” Watkins and Agnes Irene Deer Watkins in Harrisville, MS, he believed in simple living. His hands knew how to grow flowers and vegetables in abundance; his feet longed for paths among trees and wildlife. He loved birds and could identify any by song. Fishing was serious business, yet he patiently baited hooks for his daughters when they would join him by the water. Life waited for him beyond his front porch. All he needed to begin his next adventure was his hat, walking stick, and socks with sandals. 

His lifelong love of literature entertained him at home. He obsessed over classic authors, poets, and dramatists and found solace in their pages. Twain, Steinbeck, Thoreau, Dickens, Shakespeare, Gibran, Frost, Hemingway, Wilde, Dickinson, Blake, Woolf (to name a few) inspired him with their wordplay, and he passed on his love of great stories to all four of his children. He would trade his books for a chef's knife and cook often, baking bread every morning before sunrise and delighting his family with internationally-inspired meals. He played chess religiously and worked diligently to master the game. Every form of the arts captivated this Renaissance man as well as philosophies and cultures from around the world. And, despite a few hardheaded and cantankerous episodes, he regularly promoted peace, joy, and laughter. 

He is preceded by both of his parents, his brother Randy Watkins, and his son Chris Watkins. He leaves behind his wife Lori Wakefield; his brother Larry Watkins (Jerre); his sisters Shuna (Kenny) Lee and Suzanne Holloway; his children Brian Watkins, Sara Barrett, and Laura Grice (Andy); a number of nieces and nephews, including Tony Cianelli (Cori), Kristen Cianelli (Lindsey), and Morgan Rodhe (Vilhelm); his grandchildren Jacob Bridges, Emily Bridges, Ayanna Watkins, and Evie Barrett; and his great grandnieces and nephews, including Peyton Cianelli, Kaleigh Cianelli, Anthony Cianelli, Olivia Rodhe, Alice Rodhe, and Hazel Cianelli. 

A visitation will be held for Rickey at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence, Mississippi, on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

We will forever remember you, great wanderer.