Dates
Johnny Pat Watkins, 75, was born May 11, 1951, in San Angelo, Texas, and passed away May 14, 2026. He resided in Big Lake, Texas. A man widely beloved for his steady honesty, genuine spirit, and compassionate generosity, Johnny’s life was marked by devotion—to his family, his community, and his faith.
Born and raised on a ranch outside of Big Lake, TX, Johnny was the son of Patsy and James Lawson Watkins. He grew up alongside his older brother, William Lawson Watkins, learning early the value of hard work and the plainspoken strength that would remain with him throughout his life.
JP joined the United States Navy and served from 1969 to 1973. In retirement, he returned to the work he knew best—working on the ranch, building his family, and taking trips he enjoyed deeply, especially to Las Vegas. Whether at home or away, he carried with him a grounded presence and a quiet confidence that made others feel welcome and at ease.
In July 1975, Johnny married Virginia Lucille Pennington. Together they raised their son, Cody John Watkins, and their daughter, Lori Viola Watkins. Family meant the world to him, and anyone who came by to visit could see it immediately—his day was brighter for the simple gift of company, and his care for others was expressed in practical, generous ways.
JP loved to travel with family and delighted in the time spent together. He was exceptional at playing pool and Monopoly, and he was known for being extremely lucky—an attribute he wore with a humble grin rather than pride. If he wasn’t outside dealing with his cattle, he was loading up the truck to go fishing, always ready to trade the day’s worries for open water and good conversation.
Throughout his life, Johnny harbored a great love for Christ and worked to instill that love into his family. His faith showed itself not only in words, but in the way he lived—steadfast, giving, and sincere. If any child asked him, he would support their education no matter what, reflecting a generosity that sought to lift others and a belief that opportunity should be met with encouragement.
A cowboy through and through, JP was known for teaching his family the right ways to ranch and to “rub some dirt in it” when they got hurt—an expression of resilience delivered with care. He often reminded those around him to “slow down, you’ve got all the time in the world,” and met life with the calm acceptance of “it is what is.” His outlook was practical, his humor plain, and his love unmistakable. He believed, “why hoard when you can give to your family,” and lived that conviction with open hands and an open heart. Even in discomfort, he could shrug and say, “I’ve had worse scratches in my eyeball,” and when the moment called for it, his invitation was simple and sincere: “let’s go fishing.”
Left to cherish Johnny's memory are his son, Cody Watkins and wife Coral; grandchildren, Cheyenne Marie Watkins, Caitlynn Mackenzie Watkins, and Colton James Watkins; daughter, Lori Viola Watkins; and nieces, Kelly Moore and Tobi Davis.
Johnny’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Belcher Family of Reagan County, the DeSalme Family, and anyone who came by to give love and support.
Visitation will be held from 10 AM - 1PM with funeral services to begin at 1PM on Thursday May 21, 2026 at First Baptist Church in Big Lake, TX. Interment will follow at Stiles Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers are Chad Armstrong, DA Tinney, Matt DeSalme, Steven Turner, Robert Knight, and Casey Bynum. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Rusty Adams, Tooter Jameson, Shawn Adams, and David Matt Armstrong.
Flowers can be sent to First Baptist Church, 510 E 7th St, Big Lake, TX 76932 or Johnson's Funeral Home, 435 W Beauregard Ave, San Angelo, TX 76903.