Eddie Watkins

Edmond C. (Eddie) Watkins I, was born on October 28, 1940, to Wilbur and Audrey Jones Watkins of Fenton, LA. He passed away on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at the age of 84 in Crowley.

Graveside Military Honors will be held on Wednesday March 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at the Southwest Veterans Cemetery in Jennings, LA, under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home.

Eddie was a talented athlete. He was point guard for the 1958 Fenton High School State Basketball Champions. As a skilled tennis player, he and partner Bennett Augustine achieved the feat of becoming the High School All Classifications State Runners-Up in doubles. He earned a tennis scholarship to McNeese State University, where he played before and after his service in the United States Army; playing the number one position during his second stint. Eddie also excelled on the Welsh American Legion Baseball team. Later, he enjoyed playing fast and slow pitch softball and golf. Eddie also enjoyed hunting, especially for doves and ducks.

Eddie farmed rice and soybeans on the family farm in Fenton. He also was a tenant farmer for a rice farm in Lacassine. Eddie was married to Sue Griffiths (now Sue Billiot) for almost 30 years and was father to 3 children.

Eddie is survived by those children: Edmond C. (Carson) Watkins II, Connie Watkins McTopy, and Marshall Watkins (Pamela Louviere). He also leaves behind his sisters, Frances Chauvin of Hammond and Jacqueline Fogleman of Crowley and sister in law Elizabeth Libba Watkins. He is also survived by six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, Audrey Jones Watkins and Wilbur Watkins and brother Bobby Watkins.

As we remember Eddie, let us cherish the moments we shared with him, reflecting on the good times. Eddie never met a stranger and was quick with a joke and never was at a loss for words. Join his family in prayer for his soul as God’s grace is sufficient for us all.