November 16, 1950 – October 31, 2024

David Keith Watkins of Pearland, Texas, entered his Lord's presence on October 31, 2024, at the age of 73. David was born in Sacramento, California, on November 16, 1950, to Ray and Sylvia Watkins. The family moved to Texas in 1954 and made their home in Bellaire in 1956 before moving to their forever home in Stafford in 1968. From an early age, David exuded a work ethic like no other. He began working weekends at the ripe age of 14, pushing a broom across the floor of his Dad's Pettigrew-Smith Auto Parts Store Supply chain. It would begin his 27-year career with the organization. He graduated from Bellaire High School in 1969.  After graduation, David attended The University of Houston for a year before joining a full-time position with his Dad, who was part owner of the auto parts chain. Upon his brother entering the service, he had to fill his shoes and became an excellent automotive machinist, parts man, a great bookkeeper, and an accountant for the store. But he refused to work on his cars, leaving that up to Brown's 66.

David would eventually meet the love of his life, Donna, and they would marry on January 22, 1977. David and Donna were the perfect pair, balanced by each other, and it worked. His most significant accomplishment was his love for his family. He had a true gift to accept people for who they were.

David was country when country wasn't cool. He loved John Wayne movies and would watch them over and over, only to always say after watching one of his westerns, "I was born at the wrong time."

David was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Sylvia Watkins, his niece Ashley Paige Thixton, his In-laws, E.M. and Ernestine Gray, and his brother-in-law, Merlin Leon Gray.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Donna Watkins, and their two daughters, Dorian Kelly Massey (Stretch) and husband Gary, and Devin Kay Kern (Munchkin) and husband Lloyd "Jacob.” He was known as Pops to three beautiful and full-of-life grandchildren whom he gave nicknames upon the day of their birth: Emery Gray Massey (Little Buddy), Graycen Delaney Kern (Rosebud), and Marissa Joy Massey (Button).

He is also survived by his siblings, brother Dinsel Watkins and his wife Eugenia of Eden, Texas and sister Beth Burdett and her husband Mike of Spring Branch, Texas.  He leaves seven nieces, two nephews, and a host of friends whom he loved dearly.

David would always come home and tell us when someone important or famous had died, and say, "We lost a good one today." But on October 31, 2024, we did lose a good one. The best thing about David leaving this earth is that we have the confidence and faith that we will see him again.

Friends are cordially invited to the visitation with the family on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 9:30 A.M.; the service to follow at 10:30 A.M. at Jeter Memorial Funeral Home, 311 N. Friendswood Dr., Friendswood, TX 77546.

Following the service, David will be laid to rest at San Jacinto Memorial Park, 14659 East Fwy, Houston, TX 77015.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the charity of your choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Jeter Memorial Funeral Home at www.jeterfuneralhome.com