Lanny Leamon Watkins

Lanny Leamon Watkins, 79, went to be with the Lord on Friday, January 8, due to complicated health issues. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Betty Jo (Dupree); his children, Chip and Rose Watkins of Smithfield; Serene Watkins of Apex; and Rex and Cheryl Watkins of Garner. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren who were the absolute apples of his eye: Constance (Nick), C.J., Eli, Chelsea, Nicole (Andrew), Everette (Leah), Grant, Frederick, and Caroline; and his 4 great-granddaughters: Annabelle, Charlee, Blythe, and Rylee; brother Horace “Buddy” Watkins and wife Myrna. He was preceded in death by a brother Michael Moore. Lanny was a military veteran of both the Air Force and Army Reserves. He was stationed in Alaska during the Great Earthquake of 1964 and could tell riveting stories of that time down to the names of everyone involved with him there. He also served with distinction in the desert of Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm at the age of 49, making friends of a lifetime while there. Lanny also worked with the State of NC’s Dept. of Radiation Protection for more than 28 years as an inspector and supervisor. He grew up in Caraleigh, a small community of southeastern Raleigh. Even though he moved to Garner, he was still a member of Caraleigh Baptist Church until his death, serving and attending with those he had known since grade school and who were still considered close friends of his. Lanny’s legacy is one of unwavering devotion to family, friends, and country. If he ever met someone and learned their name, he never forgot it, whether it was a neighbor, a store employee, a health care worker, or just someone he met in line at the DMV. He had a generosity of spirit that made each person with whom he came into contact feel valued and special. He had the gift of making everyone feel as if they were his best friend. He lit up a room each time he entered it with his smile, his jokes, and his laughter. He has left a huge hole in many lives that can never be filled, but those who know Jesus can take comfort in knowing they will be able to reunite with him one day. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org