Joe Watkins Jr

Mr. Joe Watkins, Jr., age 82, of Las Vegas, NV, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 5, 2026, while residing at the Heights of Summerlin Long Term and Hospice Care Center.

Born on May 5, 1943, in Tallulah, LA, he was the beloved son of the late Mr. Joe Watkins, Sr. and Mrs. Rena Watkins.

In January 1959, at the age of 15, Joe moved to Las Vegas with his parents and siblings. A few years after arriving in Las Vegas, at the ripe old age of 18, Joe met and began dating Ms. Vivienne Kinney, and the two married, on June 28, 1961. In referring to his wife, Jo said, “I knew she was the one.” Their union resulted in the birth of four children who will miss him terribly.

Joe lived a full and hardworking life, marked by dedication, skill, and a remarkable ability to master whatever he touched. Over the years, he held a variety of positions, to include working at the Nevada Test Site, at the Dunes Hotel as a Chuck Wagon Supervisor, and as a Short Order Cook at the Hacienda Hotel. His natural talent for repairing and building things was evident early on, but his true passion was always auto mechanics.

After graduating at the top of his class from the Automotive Repair, Maintenance, and Diagnostics Program from Vo Tech High School in Las Vegas, Joe spent more than a decade with Gaudin Ford Motors. During that time, he also earned certification from Advanced Training Institute (A.T.I.) in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC). Eventually, he chose to pursue his own path, becoming a self employed mechanic and tradesman for more than 40 years. He was known for his attention-to-details, strong work ethic, and commitment to doing every job with care and precision.

Though Joe was a private and reserved man, those who knew him understood that his strength, discipline, and high expectations came from a deep desire to see his family succeed. His grandchildren brought out a gentler side of him, revealing warmth, patience, and affection that became cherished memories for those closest to him. The special nicknames he gave his first four grandchildren is a testament to the unique bond he shared with each of them.

Joe’s presence left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered, and his legacy lives on through the many lives he touched.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers Lenzie and Freddie; sisters Eugenia and Georgia; granddaughter Qunisha; and sons in law, Joseph Glasper III and Fred Williams.

Left to mourn his passing is his wife of sixty four years, Mrs. Vivienne Watkins, his children: Janice, Rodney (Devra), Evelyn, and Eric (Yolanda); and two sisters Magnolia (LC) and Ruby (James). He is also lovingly remembered by his 11 grandchildren: Chantanee, Markeycion (Uniqueka), Jarrell, Sheena, Tomeka (Joe), Kieran, Jourdon (Tracy), Cynamon, Jennell (Paris), Nia, and Eric II, as well as 12 great grandchildren: Nya, Simone, Assata, Xayden, Ch’Mya, Kaiden, MJ, Dante, Harlii, Reena, Meleek, and Jacen.

Joe will be deeply missed and forever remembered by a host of extended family members and friends.

Funeral services will be officiated by Pastor Henry L. Smith at the gravesite in Woodlawn Cemetery, 1500 N. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89101, at 1:45 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026. (Interment of the Urn will occur immediately following the service)

(YeOleMechanic43)

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