Clarence "Ray" Watkins

Clarence (Ray) Watkins, 75, of 13232 Laurel Drive, Meadville, passed away Friday, April 7, 2017, at Marquette Hospice House, Meadville.

Ray was born at home, in Tidioute, on May 9, 1941, a son of the late Merle and Bessie (Adams) Watkins.

Ray retired from Meadville Forge Co. in 1994 where he was the Supervisor of the Heat Treat Department, the department he established at the onset of his employment in the mid 1970's. Following his retirement he worked as a constable for Crawford and Mercer Counties and for Hovis Auto Parts. Over the years Ray coached youth baseball and played both slow pitch and modified softball. His love of baseball started as a youth and at the age of 17 was offered a contract to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers. He had a passion for playing golf and belonged to leagues at Oakland Beach and Whispering Pines golf courses. His other hobbies included restoring and rebuilding hot rods and fishing. He graduated from Meadville High School in 1959. Ray will be remembered as a loving uncle who was always there for all of his nieces and nephews. He will be missed.

Ray is survived by three children Scot D. Watkins of Meadville, Steve G. Watkins of Meadville, Stacy Jo Nicole Lawrence and her husband Mark of Pittsburgh, two grandchildren Abigail and Ava Watkins, his fiancee' Faye Gorman of Meadville, a brother Richard Watkins, many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and his wife Helen, Ray was preceded in death by five brothers Merle, Robert, Glenn, John, and Ronald Watkins, two sisters Laura Richmond and Marie Holcombe.

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, April 11 from 4:00 - 6:00 PM at STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC. 404 CHESTNUT STREET, MEADVILLE, where funeral services will be conducted at 6:00 PM with Rev. Marvin Burnett, officiating.

Ray will be laid to rest in Venango Cemetery.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com