William E. "Bill" Watkins

William E. "Bill" Watkins

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Coach William E. "Bill" Watkins

Coach William E. Bill Watkins, age 79 of Purcell, passed a way Sunday, February 15, 2004, at the Norman Veterans Center.

Bill was born June 21, 1924, in Earlsboro, Oklahoma. Bill was the 2nd of five children born to John Bill Watkins and Allyne Maines.

Bill grew up and attended school in Sulphur and at the age of 14 moved to Chickasha to attend school and play football, where he was the star halfback. In the middle of his senior year, after football season was over, Bill joined the U. S. Navy, and served his country during WW II. Bill was the Lt. Heavyweight Champion in the Navy during his service time; he was also a Golden Glove Champion.

Bill married LaVaga Elston on June 29, 1946, in Kansas; together they were blessed with two children. She passed away due to an automobile accident on February 11, 1971.

Bill attended and played football for N.E.O. A&M, where he was named to the J. C. All American team. He continued his education and stellar football career at the University of Denver in Colorado.

Bill was a legendary coach who started coaching, basketball and baseball in rural Colorado and continued as a football and basketball coach in Oklahoma.

While serving as head football coach in Miami, he had the privilege of coaching the future Heisman Trophy winner, Steve Owens. He was also head coach in California and Chickasha, prior to entering the furniture business.

Bill married Betty Jo Vietenheimer on March 29, 1973. They had 31 wonderful years together, Bill greatly appreciated her support and love. Together they owned and operated B&Bs Furniture store in Norman for many years.

After retiring from the furniture business he taught and coached at Noble. Bill enjoyed dancing and spending time with his wife Betty. He was an avid poker and pool player and liked collecting rocks and coins. He loved sports and was a big University of Oklahoma and Florida State University supporter. Bill was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, friend, coach and will be greatly missed.

Bill was preceded in death by: his parents, John Bill Watkins and Allyne Maines Watkins; first wife, LaVaga Elston Watkins; and brother, Elgin Watkins.

Bill is survived by: his second wife: Betty Jo Watkins; son, Williiam E. Watkins, Jr., and wife Mary Jean of St. Augustine, FL; daughter, Jacki McAffrey and husband Ken of Yukon, OK; stepson, Gary Travelstead and wife Debbie of Arlington, TX; two brothers, Johnny Watkins and wife Valarie of Tulsa, OK, and Jerry Watkins and wife Faye of Dibble, OK; sister, Rose May Rattliff of Blanchard, OK; three grandchildren, Jennifer Largent and husband Matt, Chris McAffrey and Stephanie McAffrey; step-grandson, Gary D. Travelstead and wife Michelle; one great granddaughter, Alyssa Largent; one step great grandson, Tanner Travelstead; many friends and extended family.

Graveside services were at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 18, 2004, at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Chickasha with Associate Pastor Gibson Largent officiating.

Arrangements by Wilson Little Funeral of Purcell.