Tributes

Ronald Coleman Watkins, one of a kind and never short on a story, saddled up and rode on home to the Lord on September 30, 2025, surrounded by family. Ronald lived a life full of grit, laughter, and adventure. He served proudly in the United States Army with the 101st Airborne Division, the “Screaming Eagles.” If you ever sat with him long enough, you’d hear a tale or two about those days—and probably laugh along the way. After his service, Ronald worked with Baggett Transportation, hauling explosives for the government. Dangerous work to most, but to him, it was just another day doing what had to be done. Ronald loved motorcycles and old cars—if it had wheels and an engine, he could ride it, fix it, or tell you a story about it. Just as much, he loved his horses. Whether saddling up for a ride or just being near them, horses brought him a kind of peace and freedom that matched his spirit. He had a gift for music, too, always ready to pick up his guitar and sing. More than once, his songs filled the room just like his laughter did. He was a talker, through and through, with enough stories to last a lifetime. He could fix anything that was broke. Ronald is survived by his wife, Melissa Watkins; children, Michael Watkins (Donna), Ronald Ray Watkins, Tracy Bergwardt, Angela Green (James), Amanda Vice (Scott); grandchildren, Danielle Erwin (Jimmy), Michael Watkins II, Eva Watkins, Chelliney Evans ( Chris) Leah Porter (Cagney), Skylar Grey, Richard Borden, Bridgett Borden, Charlie Bergwardt, Meaghan McKinny, Cameron Green, Amber “Nikki” Dulaney, Kyler Vice, Ashley Robinson, and Matthew Andrews; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and siblings, Emogene Leonard and Imogene Smith. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harmon Riley and Sarah Ann Watkins; daughter, Andrea Watkins; step-son, Robin Robinson; siblings, Troy Watkins, Donald Watkins, Mae Swan, Madeline Watson, Mary Russell, and Polly Watkins. A graveside service for Ronald will be held at Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, AL on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 12:30 pm. Though his boots are still, he’s taken his final ride—saddled up and headed into the sunset, where the road is smooth, the pastures are green, and the stories never end. Pallbearers will be Scott Vice, Kyler Vice, Doug Smith, Shadow Gravette, Colby Darnell, and Blake Darnell. Honorary pallbearers Hunter Hamilton and Joey Hudgins. A special thanks to Enhabit Hospice. In lieu of flowers donations to The Wounded Warriors Project or to The DAV.

Tributes

Mr. Ronald Coleman Watkins

October 14, 1940 - September 30, 2025