Isiah M. Watkins, Sr. was born on March 2, 1940, in Bosqueville, Texas to the late Sue Lee Watkins and Erma Dean Danforth Watkins. Isiah accepted Christ at an early age at Bosqueville Baptist Church, where he later served: in the choir, on the deacon board, and as Superintendent of Sunday School.

He married Alfar Armon on October 31, 1964, in Waco, Texas. They celebrated 53 years of marriage in 2017. To this union, they were blessed with two children: Isiah M. Watkins, Jr. and Phyllis R. Watkins.

Isiah was educated in McLennan County, where he attended A.J. Moore High School and McLennan County Community College. He served four years in the United States Navy and two years in the Navy reserve. He retired from the Government of the United States of America, following 33 years of dedicated service at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Waco, Texas. Isiah and Alfar were co-owners of Watkins Sand, Gravel & Compost.

He is preceded in death by: his parents, Sue Lee and Erma Dean Watkins, and brothers, Oscar Watkins and Charles Watkins.

He leaves to cherish his memory: loving wife, Alfar Watkins; son, Isiah M. Watkins, Jr., daughter, Phyllis R. Watkins; sisters, Robbie Neal (Wendell) Betty Hicks (Bobby); brother, Johnny Watkins (Linda); sisters-in-law: Evelyn Watkins and Callie Watkins; two grandsons, Kealyn Oliphant and Colin Watkins; great granddaughter, Khloe Oliphant, and a host of nephews, nieces, family and friends.