Shelby Watkins, Jr. Obituary

Shelby Watkins, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away Saturday, February 11, 2012. Shelby was born in Magee, Mississippi on May 28, 1942 to Selby and Beulah Watkins. He received his formal education in the San Diego City School System. He joined the United States Air Force on May 14, 1963 and retired after 23 years of service, achieving the rank of SMSgt. He then worked for the United States Civil Service and also for the U.S.A.F.A. Library. Shelby received various awards including the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one bronze oak leaf and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with one silver and one bronze oak leaf, and many others. Shelby was married to his beloved wife Versie for 48 years. They were childhood sweethearts. He played the bass guitar and was known by friends as Mr. Bassman from the Panama Canal Zone to Colorado Springs. He appreciated all sports, loved to fish and greatly enjoyed Cripple Creek. He was also a member of the High Desert Lodge in Victorville, California and was a 3-degree Master Mason. He leaves many family members behind to cherish his memory: his wife, Versie; his three children: Bridget Johnson, Gregory Watkins, and Shawn Watkins; his grandchildren: Andre Johnson, Brandon Johnson, Kaylen Johnson, Shanise Watkins, Janelle Watkins, Alexa Yasatomi and Kentaro Yasatomi; three sisters: Jerelean Theyson Dickerson of Mississippi, Joyce Mack of Arizona, and Maryann Mack of San Diego; and many family members and friends. Both parents and his four brothers preceded him in death. A visitation will be at 9:00 a.m. with a funeral service to follow at 10:00 am. on Friday, February 17, 2012 at Shrine of Remembrance "America the Beautiful" Chapel. A reception will follow the service at Olympian Plaza Reception and Event Center, 975 South Union Boulevard. Entombment will be at the Shrine of Remembrance Mausoleum, Gate of Heaven. Online condolences: shrineofremembrance.com