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Lieutenant Colonel Miles Hunter Watkins, Sr. Lt. Col. (USAF, Ret.) Miles Hunter Watkins, Sr., passed away on August 7, 2015. Born November 13, 1920, Pendleton, South Carolina to Thomas and Bessie Hunter Watkins. Graduated from Pendleton High School in 1938. Commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps in 1941 from Clemson A&M College. Graduated Pilot Class 1943. Married Margaret Ramey of Montgomery, AL (daughter of Brig Gen Howard K. Ramey and Martha Ramey) 1945. Retired 1968 from Kelly AFB, TX. Miles flew more than 8900 hrs. in 34 different aircraft including P-39, P-40, P-51, B-17, C-7, C-47, C-54, C-60, C-124, C-133. Served in many Squadron/Wing staff positions, plus tours at Heaquarters Pacific Air Force, Air Force and USAFE. Graduated Air Tactical School, 1949 and Air Command & Staff College 1958. Commanded 1st Military Airlift Squadron, Dover, DE (C-133's) 1963-1965. Completed his flying career in Vung Tau, Vietnam, commanding 536th Tactical Airlift Squadron, flying over 100 combat hours in C-7A Caribou. His second career was 11 years at National Bank of Commerce, MasterCard & Marketing. Miles was a Life Member of Order of Daedalians, Trustee of Daedalian Foundation 1979-74, member of Air Force Association, Life Member VFW. He was a member of Canyon Lake United Methodist Church and many other organizations. He leaves behind his wife of over 70 years, Margaret, of San Antonio; his daughter, Martha Head and son-in-law, Bruce, of Dallas; his son, Hunter Watkins and daughter-in-law, Becki, of Houston; his grandson, Trey Watkins and his wife, Sarah, of Midland; great-grandchildren, Isabel and Nash Watkins, also of Midland; and many loved family and friends from coast to coast, too numerous to mention. He was pre-deceased by his sister, Pauline Purcell and brother, Thomas Watkins. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Order of Daedalians and Daedalian Foundation, Scholarship Fund, P. O. Box 249, Randolph AFB, Texas 78148 or Alzheimers Care & Research Center (Freedom House), Blue Skies of Texas West, 5100 John D. Ryan Blvd., San Antonio, Texas 78245, or charity of your choice. If you knew Miles, you know he wrote this, not his family. We merely "edited" it to get it under 450 words allowed in the newspaper. Still controlling us all from above! However, we would like to personally salute the Missing Man in our formation. He soared with eagles, now soaring with angels. The burial service was at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on Thursday, August 20, 2015 at 10:30 am followed by a memorial service at the Blue Skies of Texas East Chapel; 4917 Ravenswood Dr., San Antonio, Texas 78227 at 2:30 pm. Condolences may be offered at www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com. |
