Rest in Peace, Uncle John Watkins

Rest in Peace, Uncle John Watkins

I’m just at a loss for words. I don’t even know what to say right now. My heart is heavy, my mind is scattered, and the reality of your passing hasn’t even fully set in. Uncle John, you were such a steady presence in our lives — calm, kind, and always so full of wisdom and love. And now you’re gone. Just like that.

I keep trying to find the right words to express what I’m feeling, but all I’m left with is silence and this deep, aching sorrow. You were more than just my uncle — you were a second father, a mentor, a protector. You were the one who always had the right words when life got too hard. You listened when no one else did. You understood, even when I couldn’t fully explain. You gave your time so freely, your love so unconditionally. And now, all I wish for is just one more conversation, one more hug, one more chance to say thank you.

You never asked for much, Uncle John. You lived simply and gave abundantly. You gave people your time, your patience, your laughter, and your heart. You were always there for your family, even when your own load was heavy. I can still hear your laugh echoing in my memory, see that familiar spark in your eyes when you told your stories — always full of character, always with a deeper lesson tucked inside.

It hurts so much that you’re no longer here. I wasn’t ready to lose you. None of us were. There was still so much I wanted to say to you — so many memories I thought we still had time to make. But I guess life doesn’t always give us the moments we think we’ll have. It just takes and moves forward, while we’re left standing still, trying to catch our breath.

There’s an emptiness now. A space at the table that can never be filled. A voice missing from our conversations. A light gone from our lives. But somehow, I know you’re still with us. I know your love surrounds us, that your spirit lives on in the lessons you taught us, the values you upheld, the kindness you showed to every single person you met.

You were one of the good ones, Uncle John. Honest. Loyal. Gentle. Strong. You taught me that strength doesn’t have to be loud — that sometimes, just showing up and loving people quietly is the greatest strength of all.

Rest easy now. Your work here is done. You’ve given this world so much more than you ever took. Your legacy will live on in us — in every act of compassion, every shared laugh, every warm embrace that echoes the way you made us feel.

Until we meet again, Uncle John… I’ll carry you in my heart. Forever.
Love always.