Guy Watkins

Guy Shawn Watkins was born on April 27, 1967 to the late David R Thomas, Jr. and Lucille Watkins. He grew up and was educated in the Cincinnati Public School System. Guy was a natural born athlete, who excelled in baseball, basketball, and football, where he was the starting quarterback in high school. He was also the homecoming king at Aiken High School his senior year in 1986.

Guy’s first job was for Kroger, where he worked for many years. He moved to the Yellow Corporation (YRC), where he worked for 29 years. His final job was with Allison Transmission until his untimely death. Guy valued hard-work and had an amazing work-ethic. 

Guy loved grilling and cooking for friends and family. He was affectionately known as the grill-master. The Cincinnati Reds and Los Angeles Lakers were his favorite sports teams, but he loved the Dallas Cowboys above all. Guy enjoyed attending concerts and the Indy 500 with friends and family. He was jokester, often “capping” with family and friends. 

Guy cherished his relationship with the Lord and was baptized on December 18, 1989 at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, along with his brother, David, under the leadership of Rev. Allen E. Middleton, Sr. 

Above all, Guy loved being a “paw-paw” to Kyndall, Fatty, and Mantè. He enjoyed driving into town to either feed them, take them shopping, or support their sports activities. He loved coming to the city every chance he got to spend as much time as possible with his mother, siblings, children, and friends. Guy “thought” he could sing and dance but lacked at both. He also enjoyed sitting at home, watching “the game” and drinking a “cold one”.  

In 2014, Guy moved to Indianapolis, Indiana for work. It was there that met and married his loving wife, Christine Goedeker-Watkins in June of 2017. 

Guy was called home to be with the Lord on May 3, 2026 at the age of 59, returning from morning church service. He is preceded in death by his father, David Thomas Jr., brother, David A Watkins, and sister, Sonya and brother-in-law, Keith Bronston. 

Guy leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Christine Goedeker-Watkins, children, Erica [Anthony] Mitchell, Kiera, Alexis, Guy Jr., Matthew “Deshawn”, stepdaughter, Jenni [Bram] Thatcher, grandchildren Kyndall and Anthony Mitchell, Amantè Watkins, and Aleczander and Azalea Thatcher; siblings, Jill [Johnny] Collins, Quincy [Apryl] Watkins, David Thomas III, Margo [Terrance] Ivory, Shirletta Thomas, Cindy [Ethel] Thomas, Mary [David] Duncan, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Guy will be greatly missed as he was an amazing father, son, husband, paw-paw, uncle, cousin, and friend.

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