Mr. H.L. “Buddy” Watkins, age 71, of the Walnut Mountain Community, Ellijay, Ga., passed from this life on Friday, June 17th, 2011 from the Embracing Hospice House in Cumming, Ga. He was born June 10th, 1940 to his late parents Haden Lewis and Mattie Godfrey Watkins in Ellijay, Ga.; a member of Pleasant Valley Church, gradate of Gilmer High School, Class of 1960. Mr. Watkins was a veteran serving honorably in the United States Army and a 32 year retired bus driver for Trailways Bus Line. He is preceded in death by wife Betty Lou Bailey Watkins.

Mr. Watkins is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Derek and Debbie Watkins of Cumming, Ga.; grandson Hayden L. Watkins of Orlando, Fl.; great-grandson Evan Watkins of Orlando, Fl.; sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Dan Decarmo of Orlando, Fl., and beloved pet Gina.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 21st, 2011 from the Logan Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Harden Hopper officiating and vocals by Bill McVey. Military graveside service will follow at the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church Cemetery with military rites by the North Georgia Honor Guard.

Family will receive friends beginning at 4:00 p.m. Monday, June 20th, 2011 from the Logan Funeral Home and Chapel.