Benny Hulen Watkins

Benny Hulen Watkins was a man of many words…funny ones, inspiring ones and honest ones. He knew how to shoot you straight. His truthful approach to life inspired many friends and family alike. We all learned from him how to be authentic and kind but suffer no fools.

He was a sharpshooter, master mechanic, nature lover, and lifelong farmer. Hunting and fishing were two of his greatest joys. Only in retirement did he let a deer escape his sites. Instead, he watched them grow from fawns to bucks and gave them all appropriate names.

Benny was a Patriot, who served his country in the Air Force for 7 years, where he was most proud of his work as a Flight Engineer on C130 planes.

He lived life to the fullest and will always be our hero. He was the husband every woman dreams of finding, the father every child cherishes, the son that honored his parents, the brother you could always count on, and most of all the most devoted grandfather in the world.

Benny was born on 6/23/1955 in Naples, TX. He was blessed to grow up in Simms, TX enjoying the country life. His parents instilled in him an unwavering strong work ethic that stayed with him always. He retired from Peterbilt in 2020 and moved to Hot Springs Village, AR to enjoy his little piece of paradise in the woods. He always said the view from his sunroom was the best deer stand he ever had.

With family by his side, Benny left this earthly world on August 12, 2022 at the age of 67. He is preceded in death by his father, Hulen Watkins, his mother Anna Howell Watkins, and his sister, Judy Watkins.

Benny is survived by his wife, Barbara Watkins, children, Terri (Chris) Porier, Kristin (Jeffrey) Owen, Brandi Garrett, Hulen (Colleen) Watkins, 10 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, sister, June Snyder and a host of very special nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Hot Springs Village will be held on Saturday, August 27th, 2022 at 10:00 AM. A Celebration of Life will also be planned for friends and family in the Dallas area at a later date.

Paw Paw…The Man, The Myth, The Legend.