Richard Laverne Watkins

Richard Laverne Watkins, 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Bruce, MS on Thursday, July 9, 2026 after a brave battle with Parkinson's. Born December 29, 1942 in Neshoba County, MS, he was the son of the late Laverne Watkins and the late Julia Grace Johnson Watkins.

Richard was a 1961 graduate of Madden High School. After graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Army and was a sergeant stationed in Korea. On May 10,1969, he married the love of his life, Wanda Kaye Seale, and they spent 57 blessed years together. In 1970, the couple moved to Bruce where they put down roots and raised their family. He worked as a manager for Fred's Dollar Store for many years and was also employed at Weeks Big Star. Later, Richard opened Kwiky Food Market which he owned and operated for 24 years. He was known far and wide as "the Kwiky Man" and always had a smile on his face and a kind word for all who entered his store. In 2002, he tried his hand at retirement. Never a man who liked idle time, he soon went back to work as an assistant manager for Piggly Wiggly in Bruce before finally retiring in 2009. He was an active member of Bruce United Methodist Church where he faithfully served in various positions and valued being a part of the Methodist Men's group. Richard also served on the Board of Directors for Pontotoc Electric Power Association for 32 years.

In his free time, he enjoyed being on his lawnmower and feeding his birds. He was an avid reader and had a love for history, photography, and bottle collecting. He was hardworking, patient, and kind, putting others before himself. He quietly helped anyone in need and never sought recognition. An adventurous person, he was always up for a good road trip and found joy traveling the country with his family. In his younger days, he took great pleasure behind the wheel of his '67 Chevelle and riding motorcycles. Richard had a wonderful sense of humor and was a gifted storyteller. He treasured his role as "Pop" to his grandchildren and great granddaughter. They were the light of his life, and his happiest moments were those spent together with them. Up until his last breath, he was a man of great courage and strength. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, integrity, and love. His memory will forever be a blessing to those who knew and loved him.

Richard is survived by his devoted wife, Wanda; two children, Scott Watkins (Cherry) of Oxford, MS and Kimberly Ruth (Tony) of Calhoun City, MS; two grandchildren, Jacob Ruth (Shelby) and Sarah Grace Ruth all of Calhoun City MS; one great grandchild, Tinsley Kaye Ruth; two brothers, Ted Watkins of Carthage, MS and Dale Watkins of Philadelphia, MS. Other family members include Irene Henegar, Karen Charette, Kelly Charette, Allen Martin, Hunter Martin, Waylon Irby, Alexa Leudke, Maddox Pennington, Charlie Pennington, Samantha Martin, and a host of special nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM and on Saturday, July 11, 2026 from 9:00 AM until 10:30 AM both at Parker Memorial Funeral Home in Bruce, MS. A funeral service honoring Richard's life will be held Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Bruce United Methodist Church. A graveside service will follow at Memory Memorial Gardens in Bruce. Pastor Brad Corban and Bro. Danny Speed will be officiating. Pall bearers will be Scott Davidson, Joe Paul Ferguson, Miles Jeffery, Matt Lowe, Bruce Watkins, Greg Watkins, and Randy Woolington.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Richard's memory to St. Jude. Memorials can be made by mail to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memorial Giving, PO Box 1000 Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142 or online at www.stjude.org or by calling (800) 822-6344.

The staff of Parker Memorial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Watkins family as they walk through this season of loss. We ask that you keep them, in your thoughts and prayers as they mourn the passing of their loved one.