Jakie Ray Watkins

Jakie Ray Watkins, age 86, of Keavy, Kentucky, passed away on Saturday October 25, 2025.

Born on August 9, 1939, Jakie was a cherished beacon of love and resilience in our community. With his jovial spirit, hardworking ethics, he was a well-respected resident of Keavy, Kentucky, where his influence was undeniable and will forever be remembered.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jake McCoy Watkins and Samantha Edwards Watkins; and by his siblings, Ruby, Lena, Edna, Mark, Albert, Earl, and Anna Lee.

Jakie was truly a man of the soil, as his passion for farming, gardening, and railroading formed the cornerstone of his existence. The farm was Jakie’s sanctuary, a place where he not only cultivated crops but also nurtured his soul. He retired from CSX railroad after working as a carman for the L&N Railroad, Seaboard Railroad, and CSX.  Jakie’s life was a beautiful tapestry of hard work, resilience, devotion, and love, woven with golden threads of humility and kindness that touched everyone he met.

Jakie's love story with his wife, Myrna Joan Poynter Watkins, was one of deep, unwavering commitment, a testament to their enduring bond. Their love was a beacon that illuminated their 64-year journey together.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Timothy Ray Watkins (Christy); granddaughter, Brooke Downing (Josh); great granddaughter, Leah; brother, Bill Watkins; numerous nieces, family, and friends including special nieces, Gail Bales, Cheryl Wright, and Joyce Ann Parker and by his good friend, James Stidham.

Visitation for Jakie will be held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at the Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home, where his funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, October 29th with Tommy Buford and Gary Kirby officiating. Burial will follow in Locust Grove Cemetery in Keavy.

Serving as pall bearers will be Steve Davis, Jimmy Stidham, Kyler Murray, Mike Bales, Kevin Murray, Josh Downing, Wayne Kirby, and Mark Fernading. Honorary pall bearers are James Stidham, Harold Bales, James McDaniels, Bobby Wells, Kenny Clark, Dan Wright, Russell Day, Barry Olds and Mike Boggs.