Lonnie Bona Watkins was born March 3, 1936 to the late Otis Britt and Eula Mae Watkins. He was affectionately known to many as LB.

In his free time Lonnie loved working outside in his garden, going fishing, and spending time with his family. Later on in life, Lonnie kept his wits about him by working through word puzzles. While Lonnie was reserved to most, to those who knew him well, he could be described as hard-working, authoritatively loving, wise beyond his years, and an overall  kind, loving individual.

After a long and fruitful life filled with loving memories, Lonnie traveled home on Sunday, April 3, 2022. He was preceded in death by: his loving wife, Johnnie Mae Watkins; brothers, Tommy Watkins and Roosevelt Watkins; sisters, Katie Mae Stephens and Elnora Pittman; and one great-granddaughter, Nevaeh Johnson.

He leaves to cherish his loving memories: one daughter, Sherry (Ronnie) Caldwell of Carrollton, Georgia; four sons, Neil Watkins of Anniston, Alabama, Eric (Treland) Watkins of Anniston, Alabama, Paul (Gala) McCray of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, and Brian McCray of Anniston, Alabama; granddaughters, Shacoriya Caldwell, Shanesha Caldwell, Jaleesa Watkins, Alyssa Watkins, erica Watkins, Destinee Watkins, Aleah Watkins, Jourdin McCray, Austin McCray, and Angelina McCray; grandsons, Zatric Watkins, Carter McCray, and Cole McCray; adopted granddaughters, Tiara Woods and Laquiesha Woods; five great-grandchildren; one special niece, Angela (Joseph) Calloway; one sister-in-law, Thelma Jackson; and other relatives and friends.