William M. Watkins, 78, of Groves, Texas died Thursday, April 24, 2014 at Pelican Bay Assisted Living in Beaumont, Texas. William was born September 20, 1935 in Hardy, Arkansas to William B. Watkins and Esther Holder Watkins. He was a resident of Groves for 53 years and retired from Sabine Pilots as Office Manager. He was a member of Procter Baptist Church and was also a US Navy Veteran. Funeral services will be held Monday, April 28, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Procter Baptist Church with Dr. Rick Erwin officiating and Reverend Jeremy Bradshaw assisting. Burial will follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park. Visitation for family and friends will be from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, April 27, 2014 at Levingston Funeral Home in Groves. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sharon Adams, sister, Carolyn West, and brother, Roland Watkins. Surviving relatives include his wife, Joe Ann Watkins of Groves, Texas; daughters, Debbie Ganske and husband Jeff of Pearland, Texas; Melissa Knight and husband Randy of Olympia, Washington; Melinda Simmons and husband Corey of Port Neches, Texas; sister, Ruby Lyon of Port Arthur, Texas; brother, Robert Watkins of Azel, Texas; 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.