SFC, Wayne G. Watkins, U. S. Army retired, 74, of Dawsonville passed away Tuesday October 29, 2019 at his residence. Born June 8, 1945 in Cleveland, Ohio, he had lived in Dawson County since 2004 having moved from Hinesville, GA. Wayne retired as a Sergeant First Class from the U. S. Army where he served for 20 years. He served 2 tours in Vietnam as a Combat Infantryman and was awarded 21 medals including the Bronze Star and the Silver Star. Wayne was very active in the Vietnam Veterans of America and first joined the VVA Savannah Chapter # 671 in 1992. He helped organize and founded the Liberty Chapter #789 in Hinesville and the Dawson County Chapter #970 in 2005. Wayne served in leadership positions in each chapter where he was a member and also served two terms as President of the Georgia State Council and on the Conference of State Presidents at the national level. Mr. Watkins was a graduate of Leadership Dawson and was very active in many organizations that serve Dawson County as well as the surrounding counties. He served as a deacon of Grace Presbyterian Church. Surviving are his wife of 46 years, Carol Watkins, Dawsonville; son, Scott Watkins, Texas; and a grandson, William Scott Lavalliere. A memorial service will be held Friday November 1, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church. Rev. David Jordan will officiate. Interment services will be held Tuesday November 5, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at Georgia Nation Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Grace Presbyterian Church, P. O. Box 201, Dawsonville, GA 30534, or to the VVA Chapter #970, P. O. Box 1205, Dawsonville, GA 30534. Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com. Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.