In Memoriam: Billy Watkins (1929-2007)

A devoted worker for Timex for 32 years, Billy Watkins was as hard a worker in the campaign trenches as I've ever known. He drove his old blue Chevy decorated with Democratic stickers to every single campaign event within Pulaski County. He died Monday after a brief illness.

I had the opportunity of getting to know Billy back during the fall elections of 1996. I last saw him at the JJ Dinner at Alltel Arena last month. He served on the Pulaski County Democratic Committee as well as the DPA State Committee. He was a member of Senior Democrats and was a delegate to the 1996 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. His signature reply to how're you doing was "I'm doing good for a young fellow!"

If a Democratic campaign needed someone to put out yard signs all it took was a phone call. Soon, Mr. Billy and his cigar would arrive ready with the stakes and his mallet. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He volunteered for many worthwhile organizations, served as a crossing guard, and was an Army veteran of the Korean War. He worked hard to serve and help others until his health failed three weeks ago. I'm gonna miss him.