Ralph Clair Watkins Jr

 Ralph Clair Watkins Jr “Jack”, 81, of Port Orchard, passed away peacefully surrounded

by his family, on December 19, 2024.

Jack was born and raised in Harrison City, Pennsylvania, on September 27, 1943. His

parents were Ralph Watkins Sr. and Margaret Kifer Watkins. Jack graduated from Penn

Joint High School in 1964, he enlisted in the Army immediately thereafter.

Jack served in the military for 6 years, two of those years were spent in Vietnam.  

After getting out of the military Jack met his wife, Dianna McClellan.  On July 4th, 1970, they married.

After his time in the military Jack worked selling Kirby vacuums door to door, then

pursued his education in opticianry. For a short time, he made glasses, and later worked

at Westinghouse as a machinist.

In 1976 Jack and Dianna moved to Washington State, where he began his long tenure at

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. He dedicated 42 years to his role as a machinist, earning

respect and admiration from colleagues and supervisors alike.

Jack and Dianna enjoyed 54 wonderful years of marriage, building a beautiful family.

Together they had five boys: Kevin, Luke, Tristan, Casey, and Dylan. Jack’s legacy of

love and dedication will live on in the hearts of his boys. His sons were his pride and joy,

watching them grow into the confident, and successful men that they are today filled him

with immense pride.

Jack had the unique ability to bring people together, often through time out on the water

fishing, out in the woods hunting, or golfing. To Jack, time spent with family and friends

was important. His dedication to creating lasting memories with those he cared for was

evident in the countless family gatherings. He brought energy into every space he

occupied. His love for BBQing brought friends and family together, where delicious food

was accompanied by stories and shared memories. He taught us the value of

togetherness, of making time for one another, and above all, of creating joy.

Whether in the quiet of his shop or at a lively gathering, Jacks talents shone through.

Jack had the ability to transform metal and wood, crafting pieces that told a story. He

was always ready to lend a hand to friends and family, taking on side jobs with

enthusiasm and skill, making each project a labor of love.

Jack found strength and comfort in his faith. The time, love, and energy he dedicated to

his wife, his boys, and his grandchildren directly reflect his deep faith.

Jack Watkins survived by his beloved wife, Dianna Watkins, his children, Kevin (Lenaya)

Watkins, Luke (Lorisa) Watkins, Tristan (Sarah) Watkins, Casey (Ciara) Watkins, Dylan

(Mariam) Watkins, fourteen grandchildren, Benjamin, William, Liam, Wyatt, Athena, Harbor,

Destiny, Trinity, Loxy, Naomi, Aameen, Gunner, Nolan, and Hannah, one great grandson

Alastor Armstrong, and his sisters Patty Watkins Hudson, and Cathy Watkins. He was

preceded in death by his parents, father, Ralph Watkins Sr, Mother, Margaret Kifer

Watkins, sisters JoAnne Watkins, and Esther Laspina, granddaughter Lillian Adeline

Watkins.

Jack, you will forever be remembered for your warmth, your kindness, and your passion

for life. Thank you for the memories, the lessons, and the love you freely gave to us all.

You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

A military service in recognition of Jack’s service will be held on January 31st at 10:30

AM at Tahoma National Cemetery 18600 SE 240TH Street, Kent, WA. Following the

service, a memorial celebration of Jacks life will take place at 1:00 PM at Fellowship

Bible Church 3806 Portland AVE. E., Tacoma, WA.