Raymond Watkins

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville announces funeral services for Mr. Raymond Watkins, age 94, of Blairsville, who passed away on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, in Union General Hospital in Blairsville.

Mr. Watkins was born in Blairsville, a son of the late Virgil Watkins and the late Julia Stephens Watkins. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II as an Military Policeman. Raymond was a lifelong resident of this area and had been a manager at Union County Hardware. Besides his parents, Raymond had been preceded in death by a sister, Pauline Conley, and a brother, Tommy Watkins.

Surviving family members include his wife, Rosella Ledford Watkins; a daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Jimmy D. Deaver, of Blairsville; a sister, Mabel Rich, of Blairsville; and a grandson, Eric Deaver, also of Blairsville.

Funeral services have been scheduled for Friday, April 21, 2017, at 2:00 p.m., to be held in the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home in Blairsville, with Dr. Don Pruitt officiating. The following gentlemen have been selected to serve as pallbearers: Jerry Stover, George Ricky Davenport, Pat Ledford, Chris Carr, Johnny Hamby, and Eric Deaver. Burial will be in Union Memory Gardens Cemetery, with military honors presented by North Georgia Honor Guard. The family will meet with friends on Friday, April 21, starting at 12 noon before the service begins.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family to help defray expenses.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville. Please share your condolences and your fond memories with the family on our website, www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.