George N. Watkins Obituary (2018)

SANFORD - George Newton Watkins, "Bubba", passed away on Jan. 30, 2018 in Englewood, Florida after a brief illness. He was surrounded by family at the Tidewell Hospice House when his journey on this earth ended.George was born March 6, 1943 in Durham, North Carolina to Mary Jane (Butler) & Norman Watkins. During his childhood he grew up around Hillandale Golf Course where he developed his passion for the game of golf. He attended Durham schools graduating in 1962.After graduating from Durham High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force as a Military Policeman from 1962 to 1968 serving during the Vietnam War. After returning from overseas he was stationed at Pease Air Force Base where he met the love of his life, Terry (Gagne) Watkins.In 1967 George married Terry settling in Durham, NC where they started a family. In 1972 they moved to Sanford, Maine where he started as a reserve police officer for the Sanford Police Department and he soon gained status as a full-time police officer retiring in 1994 at the rank of Sergeant. During his career George developed his love for police work and community service as well as making an impression on so many people in the community. He worked extensively with youth whether it be coaching or outreach during his tenure as a police officer.After retiring in 1994 he served 2 terms as a Selectman for the Town of Sanford and began his long run as a driver's education instructor.In 1997 he was hired by the Dover, NH Police Department serving as a Parking Enforcement Officer where he again became well known around town while he excelled at field work and face to face interactions. He remained with the Dover Police Department until he retired again in 2009.Throughout his life he was known for his booming voice, affable charm, quick wit, even temperament and of course his most famous attribute, his southern drawl. These attributes made it easy for him to become such a well known public figure during his years as a police officer, coach and community servant.George is predeceased by his parents and brother Thomas G. Watkins.He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Terry, his daughter Laura Toth & husband Brian, son Chris and wife Holly and son Brian and wife Rachel, Granddaddy to Taylor & Dustin Worell and Braedyn & Thomas Watkins as well as Granddog Stella Blue. Brother William & wife Jeanette, brother Lester and wife April and numerous nieces and nephews.Visitation will be on Friday February 23 from 4-8 p.m. at Carl Heald & Black Funeral Home in Springvale, ME. A funeral service will be held on Saturday February 24 at 10 a.m. at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church in Sanford, ME.In lieu of flowers, donations in Georges name can be made to the Maine Children's Cancer Program, 22 Bramhall St. Portland, ME 04102 or at fundraising.mmc.org/mccp_home.Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Sanford-Springvale.To leave a message of condolence for the family please click on the condolences tab to the left.