Mr. Letchwich Watkins, age 86, of Ellijay died Friday March 4, 2016.

Mr. Watkins was born September 14, 1929 in Gilmer County, the son of the William Annis and Mary Marie Sluder Watkins. He a was retired from Lockheed, where he worked as a Blueprint Control Clerk, was a member of Ellijay First United Methodist Church, Ellijay Lions Club, served on the Ellijay City Council for 10 years and as Mayor of Ellijay for 6 years. He was honored in 2008 by being named Citizen of the Year. He enjoyed doing volunteer work, one of his favorite organizations was Faith, Hope and Charity Thrift Store, where he had been involved since its beginning.

He is preceded in death by his parents and wife of 68 years Evelyn Gentry Watkins.

Survivors include: sisters and brother-in-law: Sue and Paul Worley, Ball Ground, Ada Sanford, Ellijay, nephews and nieces, Clinton and JoAnn Jones, Butch Gentry, Allen Mullinax, Barbara McClure, Sheryl and Doug Howard, Hilda McClure, Karen and General Partin, Robin and Dwayne McPherson, Curtis Sanford, Jack and Melody Sanford, Frances and Robert Sexton, Martha and Michael Harper, and Connie Simms.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday March 8, 2016 at 11:00am from the chapel of Bernhardt Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Ellijay City cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: First United Methodist Church Building Fund, 75 McCutchen St. Ellijay, GA 30540 in memory of Mr. Watkins.

The family will meet with friends Sunday from 3 until 9pm and Monday from 1 until 9pm at the funeral home