W. Michael Watkins

Mike Watkins, 68, of Wellington, Florida, passed away Monday, July 1, 2013, at Palms West Hospital after a long battle with leukemia. Mike was born in Orlando, Florida, the son of David Broughton Watkins, Sr., and Marion Haynes Watkins, both deceased. Mike was extremely proud of attaining the rank of Eagle Scout and, at that time, was the youngest Eagle Scout in Palm Beach County. At Pahokee High School, Mike played football and upon graduation, in 1963, received a football scholarship to attend Northeast Oklahoma A & M Junior College in Miami, Oklahoma. After completing his two years in Oklahoma, Mike continued his education at Auburn University and received a degree in Agri-Business. Mike wanted to be actively involved in farming and enjoy the outdoors. He worked in the farming industry for many years with his father at Chase & Company Farms in the Orlando area and the Glades, and most recently managed sugar cane production for Hundley Farms. Mike was a well-respected farmer and won numerous awards for sugar cane production. Mike was also an avid golfer and one of his proudest moments was when he achieved a hole-in-one. Mike is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Mardi, daughters Staci Biers and Shannon (Chad) Gardner, his adored granddaughter Kyleigh Gardner, sister Nancy (Mike) Kinard, brothers David (Linda) Watkins, and Rick (Jeanette) Watkins, and many nieces and nephews. Services will be held Friday, July 5, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at The First Baptist Church of Wellington, 12700 Forest Hill Blvd, Wellington, Florida, 33414. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Palm Beach Area Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 3230 Commerce Place, Suite B, West Palm Beach, Florida 33407