David Ray Watkins

David Ray Watkins, 76 of Longwood, FL, formerly of Brighton, IL, also known to his friends and family as 'oink', 'pig', 'pig farmer', and 'punky’, passed away at 3:33 am on Monday, Jan. 18, 2021, at his beloved Florida home where he had resided since 2001. His loved ones, both near and far, were there with him.

He was born on February 26, 1944, in Alton, IL, the middle of 3 children, to the late Donald Fred and Nancy Ella (Hester) Watkins. He graduated from Alton High School in 1962 and married the love of his life, Veda Mae (Maxeiner), on November 23, 1963; they had recently celebrated 57 years of marriage.   Together they had 3 children, Justin Watkins of FL, Ranae (Mike) Vancil of Granite City, IL, and Michelle (Eric) McRoberts of Granite City, IL.  

He was a well-known hog farmer, machinist and he loved to visit the Florida Keys to fish with his brothers, Ken (Chris) Watkins and Tom (Carol) Watkins. He lived a very full and happy life and will be greatly missed by his wife, 3 children and all who knew him.  

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Rhett (Crystal) Miller Sr., Ryne Miller, Kimberlee McRoberts, Raven Zeigler, Dawson Vancil, Harley McRoberts, Nicholas McRoberts, MaKyla Vancil and Maitlin Vancil, as well as 11 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was proceeded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Melvin and Floy (Schallenberg) Maxeiner, and 2 sisters, Beverly and Barbara, who passed away at birth. 

Visitation will be held at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Brighton, IL, on Friday, January 22nd from 4:00-8:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 23rd with burial immediately following at Brighton Cemetery. Please dress casually, as Dave would prefer that.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, at 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105-3678, or to Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, 1465 South Grand, St. Louis, Missouri 63104.

An online guestbook may be found at www.andersonfamilyfuneral.com.

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