Phillip W Watkins

Dr. Phillip Watkins, age 90, son of Oscar and Mildred Watkins, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at his home in the company of his wife and children in Martin, Tennessee.

Visitation will take place Saturday, November 29, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church in Martin, with funeral services to begin at 3:00 pm. There will be no burial service.

Dr. Watkins is survived by his wife, Patricia Kirk Watkins of Martin; his children, Ken (Sharon) Watkins of Columbia, SC, David (Jennie) Watkins of Morristown, TN, Teresa (Ed) Garner of Maryville, TN, and John (Leigh) Watkins of Paris, TN; five grandchildren, Will Watkins, Alex (Taylor) Watkins, Austin Watkins, Rachel Garner, and Cara Garner, and one great-grandchild, John Henry Watkins.

Dr. Watkins was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Kay Moreland.

He was a graduate of Rives High School, the University of Tennessee at Martin Branch (BS - Agriculture), and the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (MS, PhD - Genetics/Plant Science). He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Martin.

Dr. Watkins retired in 2000 after 43 years of service in higher education, with 36 of those years taking place at the University of Tennessee at Martin. He was the first person to ever serve as Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at UTM (27 years). He was a teacher, mentor, administrator, and advisor for student government, freshman year experience, and other groups. “He always had time for students.”

After retirement, Phil found time for all the things he loved: his “Science Club” (poker), visits with children and grandchildren, golf, and fishing. Above all else, he valued his time with his wife Pat - traveling, cooking, solving puzzles, and working in the yard and garden.

In honor of Phillip Watkins, contributions may be made to
 “First United Methodist Church of Martin” to be used for support of “We Care Ministries”

Murphy Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 731-587-3121