Albert Randell Watkins, Jr.

Albert Randell Watkins, Jr., 70, of Jonesboro, passed away at his home on Friday, November 8, 2019.

Randell was born March 8, 1949, in LaCrosse, Arkansas, to Albert, Sr. and Essie Lene Darty Watkins. Randell attended Arkansas College in Batesville, presently Lyon College, and graduated from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. He began a 34-year career with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in the Batesville office. A few years later, Randell transferred to the SWBTC/ATT office in Jonesboro and worked most of his telecommunications career here. He retired as Manager of Engineering.

Randell is a member of Southwest Church of Christ in Jonesboro and is a non-active member of the Masonic Lodge. He was a founding deacon and officer of New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Jonesboro and through the years enjoyed mechanical jobs and working on antique cars. Randell also enjoyed yard work, gardening and wood crafts. He was an eighteen year veteran of the Arkansas National Guard. Before the phrase was ever popularized by Forrest Gump, Randell would quip to his daughter Tahnee', "Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're gonna get!"

Randell was preceded in death by his parents; brother Claxton Norwood Watkins and sister Earnestine Viola Watkins.

Survivors include his wife, Yvette Watkins of the home;

4 daughters: S. Ranett Watkins Coleman (Brian), Tahnee' B. Anderson Watkins, and Lillian Hope Watkins, all of Jonesboro, and TyLea Breanna Watkins of Batesville;
7 grandchildren: Tavis Albert Joseph "A.J." Anderson, Tadric King Jevonte' "K.J." Anderson, Brooke Lynn Marie Flowers, Skylar Grace Watkins, Cordarryl Coleman, Jordin Coleman and Dominique Coleman (Renita); and
4 great grandchildren, DeShawn, Kayden, Kylen and Trenton.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 13, 2019, in Emerson Memorial Chapel with Jimmy Adcox officiating. Burial in follow in Sweet Home Cemetery in LaCrosse with Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Visitation will precede the service from 10:00 a.m. until service time on Wednesday.

Pallbearers include nephews and nieces.