Frank Robbin "Porter" Watkins Sr.

Frank Robbin "Porter" Watkins, Sr. born December 22, 1929 in Damascus, VA to Sherman W. and Maude (Moore) Watkins. He passed away peacefully in his home in Cleveland, OH on November 19, 2018 following a long illness. Frank was preceded in death by both parents, a brother, three sisters and a grandson. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Irene (nee Gilpin) Watkins; his six children, Joline DeVos, Frank Watkins Jr. (Lyn), Susan Davis (Wayne), Matthew Watkins (Santina) Timothy Watkins (Angela) and Glenn Watkins; ten grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; a sister; a brother and a very large extended family. Frank’s tales of his time in the Navy inspired his children to join and five of the six are US Navy veterans as well. He worked for Forest City Enterprise for 40 years. His favorite activity was the 47 years he was involved with Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of America. He loved sharing his knowledge of the outdoors with the boys and challenging them to be better than they thought possible. He was a member of the Order of the Arrow and received the Silver Beaver and Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award. The family will receive friends from 2-4 pm on Sunday November 25, 2018 and from 10-11 am Monday November 26, 2018 at Garrett Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 11 am Monday in the Riverview Chapel at Garrett Funeral Home with Rev. Donald Thayer officiating. The committal service and interment will be in Mountain View Cemetery, Abingdon VA with military graveside rites conducted by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard and the Highlands Veterans Honor Guard. Pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Condolences for the family may be shared and viewed by visiting www.garrettfuneralhome.com. Mr. Watkins and his family are in the care of Garrett Funeral Home, 203 N. Shady Ave., Damascus, VA 24236; ph.#: 276-475-3631.Read Obituary