Rev. Johnny Ivan Watkins, 65, Longtime Teacher and Minister

The following obituary was submitted by Sosebee Funeral Home:

Rev. Johnny Ivan Watkins, 65, of Canton, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at his residence.

Funeral services are scheduled for 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26 at First Baptist Church Canton with Rev. Bobby Morris and Rev. Rubin Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Holly Springs Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Sosebee Funeral Home on Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Rev. Watkins was a teacher for 30 years with Cherokee County Board of Education and an ordained minister who preached at many area churches. He was an accomplished musician having played with the Cavalier’s for 52 years. Rev. Watkins was a member of Shoal Creek Baptist Church and served in the U.S. Army National Guard. He loved horses, farming and spending time with his family especially his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Carol Watkins of Canton; children, Kelly (Kenny) Ratcliff of Waleska, Keith (Cheryl) Watkins of Waleska and Kimberly (Randy Stewart) Watkins of Marietta; siblings, Peggy Moss of Roswell, Calvin Watkins of Dallas and Sue Chapman of Winder; grandchildren, Allison Storm, Madelyn Storm, Aiden Watkins, Everett Watkins, Kennedy Watkins and Zoe Stewart; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

(Photo credit: Patch file)