Charles Watkins

Charles Frederick Watkins V, 80, Of Ripon, California, passed away on April 9, 2017 at Bethany Home in Ripon. 

Known by his many, many friends and family as Chuck, he was born in Los Angeles, and raised in Burbank, California. He attended John Burroughs High School where he lettered in football.  After graduation, he attended his father's alma mater, The University of Southern California.

Chuck started his career as a teenager with a summer job at the Frosted Fruits Company in Los Angeles. He rose to a management position there, and after working for Pet Foods, in St. Louis, Missouri, returned to California in the early 1970s to run Eckert Cold Storage in Manteca. After presiding over nearly three decades of growth and prosperity, he took a well-earned retirement in 1996. 

Chuck valued honesty, hard work and most of all his family.  He was a true USC Trojan, and he was proud to see three of his children graduate from the university. He loved fishing in Idaho, where he introduced his children and grandchildren to trout fishing. Chuck also loved to play golf.  He was a long time member of Spring Creek Golf and Country Club, where he enjoyed countless rounds with so many friends. He was well respected in business as in all other aspects of his life.   He was loved by many, and will be missed by all who knew him.

Chuck is survived by Joan, his beloved wife of 31 years, and his children: Kevin (Stephanie), Arroyo Grande, Calif., Peggy Blowney (Phil), South Lake Tahoe, Calif. , Chip, Los Osos, Calif., Jennifer Hobbs, Vallejo, Calif., Marcus, Los Angeles, Calif., Jason Burns, Lafayette, Louisiana., Brandy Sweeney (Ed), Tehachapi, Calif.

He is also survived by his sister Karen, Atascadero, Calif., and by his 14 grandchildren and a great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his son, Timothy and Tim’s daughter, Sarah.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Spring Creek Golf and Country Club, 1580 Spring Creek Drive in Ripon on April 23, 2017 from 11:00-3:00

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Bethany Home 930 West Main Street in Ripon. For condolences to the family, please visit his online guestbook at www.deeganfuneralchapels.com

 Service Information