Connie Watkins was born on August 25, 1936, In Rogersville, Alabama to the late Willie Arsby Watkins and Ollie Lucille Haney. He departed from the world on December 24, 2023.

Connie was a dedicated Construction Engineer for the Ohio Operating Engineers for over 29 years. In June of 2020, Connie celebrated his 50th anniversary with the Local #18 Union.

Connie, while quiet and laid back, loved to spend time with family and friends. In his spare time, he loved going fishing, hunting, gardening, building things around the house and looking after his grandchildren while in retirement.

Connie and Christine began their relationship around 1972 where they blended their existing families together to form one union.

Connie was preceded in death by his son Derrell Watkins, his daughter Marlo Johnson, his parents, three sisters Cecil Watkins, Annie Watkins & Jessie Lee Watkins Fuqua, and one brother Lawrence Gilbert Watkins.

Those who are left to honor his memory include is spouse Christine Lewis (Cleveland Oh), seven children, Connie L. Watkins Jr (Cleveland Oh), Early Johnson (Decatur AL), Konsuelo Watkins (Garfield Hts. Oh), Kario (Shayzata) Hill (Cleveland Oh), Kecia Richardson (Washington DC), Alton (Rhonda) Lewis (Pataskala, Oh), Keri Lewis (Euclid Oh); two sisters, Constance Minor (New York, NY) and Willa Dean Jones (Town Creek, AL); two sister in laws, Frankie (Fredie) Allen and Jewel (Kenny) Mayo (both from Steubenville Oh). Connie was blessed with 15 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.