Harry Richard Watkins

Harry Richard “Billy” Watkins, 88, of Heber City, Utah passed away peacefully of natural causes at 4:15pm on July 20, 2023 at his home.

Born on November 5, 1934 in Centralia, Illinois, the second of four children, to the late Mildred and Harry Watkins.

Harry will forever be remembered for his witty sense of humor and ability to strike up a conversation with any stranger. What a great storyteller he was! He enjoyed playing pranks, telling jokes, dancing a jig, singing a ditty or clicking his heels, whatever it took to bring a smile to someone's face. Always quick to dive into a project he knew little about, he could learn to build and repair anything, much like his father. He had an amazing zest for life and seemed to live present in each moment, and each day, to its fullest.

At a young age, Harry’s family moved to Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina where he ran track, excelled at math, drove fast cars and got up to lots of mischief and mayhem. Harry joined the Air Force at the age of 17, where he eventually learned to fly and earned his pilot wings. He married his wife of 53 years Carole shortly after a blind date arranged by his sister Barbara; and just prior to a military base transfer. His passion for aeronautics led to a long and fulfilling career as a pilot and ultimately Captain for Trans World Airlines. Based with TWA in various spots across the United States, Harry and Carole resided and raised their children in San Jose CA, Incline Village NV, Hailey ID, and Lake St. Louis, MO before finally settling in Park City and ultimately Heber City, Utah. Upon retirement he played golf for a year and then, not one to stay still too long, decided to get his Commercial Driver’s License. For the next 10 years he drove semis, armored trucks and cement haulers. Before a stroke in January of 2005, he was an accomplished handyman repairing the cars, the house and completing various wood working projects. Harry was a dyed-in-the-wool fan of the New York Yankees.

Following his stroke his family, friends, and caretakers continued to be impressed with his positive attitude, can-do spirit, and fun shenanigans.

Harry is survived by his son Richard (Audrey) Watkins of Park City, Utah; daughter Wendy (Philip) Bartholomew of Delphi, Indiana; grandkids whom he adored Taylor, Kali and Zach Watkins, and Avery & Logan Bartholomew; sisters-in-law Christine (Given) Harrison of Carlsband, CA and Kathy Watkins of New York, NY as well as 10 nieces and nephews.

Harry was preceded in death by Carole, his wife of 53 years, parents Mildred & Harry, sisters Joyce and Barbara, and brother Gary.

The family wishes to thank the amazing staff and caregivers of Spring Gardens Senior Living in Heber City, who showed so much compassion in caring for both Harry & Carole during their final years there.