Frank Ely Watkins, 84, of Natural Bridge Station, died Tuesday, November 28, 2006 in Shenandoah Valley Health Care Center.

He was born June 11, 1922 in Rockbridge County, a son of the late Adam Ely Watkins and Elsie Myrtle Campbell Watkins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Zeamus Ray "Bud" Watkins; two sisters, Edith W. Stoner and Irene Faye "Susie" Foster.

He was retired from Burlington Industries after 37 years of service.

Mr. Watkins is survived by his wife, Jewel D. Watkins; a daughter, Brenda W. Dorman and husband, Ben R., of Norfolk; grandchildren, Bryan E. Shorter, and wife, Elizabeth, Carrie S. David and husband, Erick, Adam M. Shorter and wife, Jayne, and Samantha F. Dorman; sisters, Julia W. Layman of Buchanan and Alice W. Jenkins and husband, Cecil, of Natural Bridge Station; brothers, Clifford M. Watkins and wife, Martha; Sheridan Watkins and wife, Audrey; and Calvin B. Watkins and wife, Dorothy; great-grandchildren, Derek, Maggie, Ryson, Ryan, and Cayden; and a special family member, William David Shorter of Buchanan.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to either Glasgow or Natural Bridge Rescue Squad.

Graveside services will be conducted Friday, December 1, 2006 at 2 p.m. in Tygrett Cemetery, Natural Bridge Station with Rev. Conald Fogus officiating. Arrangements by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, VA.