Yancey L. Watkins

Yancey Lee Watkins, 81, of Murray, Kentucky, died Friday, January 15, 2016 at Murray-Calloway County Hospital. He was born in Uniontown, Kentucky, on October 12, 1934, to Jordan Cole and Elizabeth Watkins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter Lee Ann Watkins.
He attended Western Kentucky University for his undergraduate degree. He received a master's degree from Peabody College, Vanderbilt University and a doctorate in Education from the University of Georgia.
He taught ten years in the Union County School System. He served as a Captain in the US Army. He accepted a position at Murray State University where he was a professor for 41 years. He joined the Murray Lions Club in 1970. He served Lions Clubs International on local, district, state, and international levels. He served as an International Director in 1990-91. He served as president of the Lions Eye Foundation and chaired the fund raising for an addition to the Kentucky Lions Eye Research Institute. The University of Louisville conferred a degree of doctor of public service in recognition of his distinguished public service career as a Lion. He was currently serving on the Murray-Calloway County Hospital Board of Trustees.
Dr. Watkins is survived by his wife Jean Watkins; son Larry and wife Barbara of Meridianville, Alabama, daughter Laura Watkins of Franklin, Tennessee; two grandchildren, Jim Watkins of Starkville, Mississippi and Jeannie Gustafson and husband Zachary of Chicago, Illinois; two brothers, Byron Watkins and wife Mattie of Madisonville, Kentucky and John Watkins and his wife Linda of Memphis, Tennessee.
A celebration of life and service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at the First United Methodist Church in Murray. Visitation will be held 10:00 -11:00 a.m., Saturday, at the Church. Dr. Rick Dye and Jim Stahler will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Kentucky Lions Eye Foundation, 301 East Mohammed Ali Blvd., Louisville, Kentucky 40202, or the Dr. Yancey and Mrs. Jean Watkins Endowed Scholarship for Education at Murray State University, 200 Heritage Hall, Murray, Kentucky 42071, or the Murray Calloway Endowment for Healthcare, 803 Poplar Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071.
Online condolences can be left at www.thejhchurchillfuneralhome.com