Joseph Hilliard Watkins

Joseph Hilliard Watkins, a retired Chief Petty Officer 1st Class in the United States Navy and later a retired mail carrier after a 22-year career with the United States Postal Service, passed away in his sleep with his wife Shirley by his side. He entered the arms of Jesus and his waiting mother on March 20, 2025, in Prescott, Az. He was 88. Joe was born in Linwood, New Jersey, on May 2, 1936, to Frank and Alberta (Seabold) Watkins. He was the seventh of eleven children. His mother passed away when he was 11 years old and he missed her terribly, even up until his final days. Joe hurried to obtain his GED so he could enlist in the United States Navy in 1954. His father signed for him to join at just 17 years old. During his impressive Navy career, he served 3 tours in Vietnam. He traveled the world; He was part of the golden age of air travel when the Super Constellation plane was adapted for military use. Designed for long-haul flights, this aircraft became a highly successful transatlantic airliner. In addition, he worked as an aircraft mechanic and an engineer, he held several other roles throughout his career. In 1973, Joe retired from the Navy as a Chief Petty Officer 1st Class. Soon after, he and his first wife Doris “Dee” Plummer, moved to Prescott to be closer to family. After moving to Prescott, he began another career working 22 years delivering mail, primarily to residents in the Mtn. Club. He retired from the Post Office in 2002. Joe loved and enjoyed Prescott. He was a faithful servant of the Lord, and he attended Hillside Church of God for at least 50 years. He served the Lord in various roles and positions within the church. This is where he met his wife, Shirley (White) Watkins. They married on February 17, 1984. Joe often shared that he fell in love while watching her play the organ, captivated by her feet as she played. He had found the love of his life, and they remained happily married for 41 years. Joe was a man’s man but loved to act like a kid when they were around. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed joking around. He loved his family and especially enjoyed spoiling his grandkids. He enjoyed bowling and golf, but he really loved his lottery tickets. His face would light up when someone brought him his lottery tickets. Joe lived by his values he held dear – God, family, country and lottery tickets! Joe is survived by his wife Shirley; daughter Jo-Anne Watkins, of Phoenix, Az; daughter Wendy Garcia (Michael), of Phoenix, Az; son Jerry Vecere (Dianna), of Phoenix, Az; daughter Nancy Baker, of Prescott, Az; daughter Cindi Stevick (Christopher), Phoenix, Az; 12 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild. He is preceded in death by his parents, 7 siblings and his son in law Brian Baker. Celebration of Life will be Saturday March 29, 2025 at 3:00pm at the Hillside Church of God 937 Ruth St. Prescott, AZ. Reception to follow (Joe’s favorite comfort food will be served).

Joseph Hilliard Watkins

May 2, 1936 - March 20, 2025