Clifford Mack Watkins, 81, of Arnolds Valley, Natural Bridge Station, Virginia, went to be with his Lord Monday, December 20, 2010 at 6:45 a.m.

He was born February 11, 1929 in Greenlee, VA, the son of Adam Eli Watkins and Elsie Campbell Watkins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Zeamus Ray "Bud" Watkins and wife, Alberta May "Liz" Watkins and Frank Eli "Jake" Watkins; also, four sisters, Violet Odell Watkins, Audrey Watkins, Edith W. Stoner, and Irene Faye "Susie" W. Foster.

He is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Martha Reynolds Watkins; a dear son, Eric Timothy Watkins, and a dear friend, Sonja Harrison; and a precious granddaughter, Kristen Nicole Watkins; and many nieces and nephews. Also surviving are a sister, Alice W. Jenkins and husband, Cecil, a sister, Julia W. Layman and sister-in-law Jewel Watkins; also, a brother, Calvin "Catfish" Watkins and a brother, Elvin Sheridan Watkins and wife, Audrey.

He was retired from Burlington Industries after 43 years and was a mail carrier for approximately 15 years after retiring from Burlington.

Clifford served with the U.S. Army beginning January 11, 1952. He was stationed at Fort Meade, MD., Camp Cook, California and Fort Ord, California. After a 30 day furlough, he was transferred to Germany. While he was with the 2nd Armored Division he successfully completed Leadership School. He was in A Btry 94th AAA AW (SP) in the gun Battalion in Germany. He received the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. He had the rank of Cpl (Corporal).

Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at Natural Bridge Christian Fellowship with the Rev. Nathan Phillips and the Rev. David Bain officiating. The burial will follow at Tygrett Cemetery in Arnolds Valley. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, VA.

Arrangements are being handled by the Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, VA.