Joseph Donald Watkins, age 71, of Clinton was set free on Wednesday, July 13th, 2016, at Mountain Home VA Medical Center in Johnson City, TN. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, devoted husband, father, and grandfather. For 40 years, he made friends across the country as the bus driver for Southern Gospel music groups, The Inspirations and The McKameys, until retiring in 2015 to spend more time gardening and enjoying his grandchildren. Everyone who knew him is deeply saddened by his loss, but comforted by the fact that he is now free from pain and resting in the arms of Jesus.

He was preceded in death by parents, Clarence and Edith Watkins, of Bryson City, NC, and sister, Clara Simonds, of Bryson City, NC.

He is survived by wife Harriett, of Clinton, TN; sisters, Barbara and Bob Hauther, of Maynardville, TN and JoAnn and Bobby Styles of Bryson City, NC; brother, Archie and Cindy Watkins of Whittier, NC; daughter, Jamie and Tony Cranmore of Clinton, TN; grandchildren, William, Brian, Clayton, Aspen, and Kierra Cranmore, all of Clinton, TN; also many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family and friends across the country.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 16th, from 12pm-2pm at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton, TN, and the funeral service will follow at 2pm, with Dr. Lee Hickman, of Black Oak Baptist Church, and Rev. Luke Kidwell, of Batley Baptist Church, officiating. The family will observe a private burial service at Mountain Home National Cemetery, and Donald's body will take its final ride draped in the red, white, and blue colors that he loved and served so proudly.

Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton, TN, is in charge of all arrangements. www.holleygamble.com