Larry "Spanky" Watkins

Larry "Spanky" Watkins peacefully entered into eternal rest on Friday, June 23, 2023 surrounded by family and friends. He was born on August 15, 1952, to the late James Robert and Susie Ina Lee Watkins in Marietta, GA.

Larry succeeded at many things in life; in his early twenties, he held the title as the youngest licensed Master Plumber in the state of Georgia. He then went on to join the Cobb County Police Department, where he worked for over 30 years. He started his career with Cobb County P.D. as a Patrolman and went on to serve as a Property Crimes Detective, a Homicide Detective, and a Hostage Negotiator.  He then worked for Cobb County School District Campus Police for 10 years before retiring from Law Enforcement. Larry, however; wanted to continue to serve his community and decided to become a bus driver for the Paulding County School District. He was very proud of this job. He loved the kids and felt like he was making a difference in their lives. In addition to all his other accomplishments, he was also a Certified Motorcycle Riding Instructor, teaching hundreds of people to learn how to ride a motorcycle. He loved traveling, whether it was on his beloved Harley Davidson, hitting the open road, in his camper, or going to the beach. He loved life, spreading joy, and building memories with family and friends. Larry never met a stranger, he would talk to anyone about anything, he was the life of the party, he always had a smile on his face and a joke ready to go. If Larry was there, you knew you were going to have a good time. Larry loved like no other and was so proud of his family, especially his grandchildren. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, and will be extremely missed by those who had the privilege to know him.

In addition to his parents, Larry is preceded in death by his brother, Jimmy Watkins, and brother-in-law, Jimmy Faulk.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Watkins; daughter, Kelly (Brett) Page, grandchildren, Addison Brown, Wade Page; sister, Margaret Faulk, sister-in-law, Eileen Watkins; his beloved faithful companion, Boone, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

The family will receive friends on Friday, June 30, 2023, from 9:30 AM- 11:00 AM at New Canaan Baptist Church in Dallas, Ga. A Memorial Service will follow immediately after the visitation at New Canaan Baptist Church.

Larry was passionate about supporting those who served our great country, therefore, in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation in Larry’s honor.

Clark Funeral Home is honored to care for the Watkins Family during this difficult time.