Brent Edward Watkins

Brent Edward Watkins, a lifetime resident of Nettleton/Jonesboro passed away at the age of 73 on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.  Brent was born June 1, 1950 to Gerald G. and Elizabeth (Betty) Hale Watkins.  He was a lifelong Methodist.

Brent attended Nettleton schools for 12 years and graduated in 1968.  He was a member of the first Nettleton High School football team.  Brent graduated in 1972 from Arkansas State University with a degree in Agricultural Engineering.  He began working in the construction division of the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) in 1972.  Brent retired as Jonesboro Resident Engineer of ARDOT in 2008.  After retirement, Brent worked for the City of Jonesboro engineering department.  He also did some consulting work.

Brent is survived by his wife of 47 years (December 18,1976), Patricia Ann (Patty) Watkins; son, Edward Watkins of Gentry, AR; daughter, Carol Fletcher of Benton, AR; grandson, Taylor Watkins of Greensboro, NC; grandson, Hudson Watkins and granddaughter, Georgia Kate Watkins, both of Fayetteville/Gentry, AR.  He is also survived by brother, Gerald H. (Gerry) Watkins of Jonesboro; sister, Kathleen Watkins Lawrence, of Jonesboro; special bonus brother, Larry Lawrence, of Cherokee Village, AR; sister-in-law, Tamara (Kevin) Quivers, of Little Rock; and many special aunts, uncle, nieces, nephew, great nephews and cousins.

There will be a Celebration of Brent’s Life on Sunday, November 12, 2023 from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm, at The Gardens at Harmony, 4517 E. Parker Rd., Jonesboro.  A short service will be followed by visitation and reception.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mothers of Angels, Inc. or the Northeast Arkansas Humane Society.