Joe Phillip Watkins passed away on August 4, 2026, at age 91. He was born February 28, 1935, in Dallas to Adam Dearmore (A.D.) and Marjorie Iola (Smith) Watkins. He graduated from Henderson State Teachers College, now Henderson State University, in Arkadelphia with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education. He was one of the first students to receive a master’s degree from Henderson State. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Alice Ann Watkins, and four children, Sandy Jester (Scott) of Hope, Phillip Watkins (Susan) of Huntsville, Arkansas, David Watkins (Jackie) of Highland Village, TX, and Steven Watkins of Shepherdsville, KY as well as 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.