Massena – Roy O. “Toss” Watkins, 82, 67 State Highway 37C, passed away Saturday morning January 7, 2017 at Massena Memorial Hospital after a brief stay at the St. Regis Nursing Home.

Roy was born on August 21,1934 in Massena, the son of the late Everett and Dorothea Miles Watkins. He graduated from Massena High School. On March 2, 1955, Roy entered the US Army, serving his country for 5 years until his honorable discharge. On May 26th 1962, he married Janet M. Conger at Massena Methodist Church.

Roy first worked for a short time with Kinney Drugs before going to the Army. After returning home from the military, he went to work at the New York Power Authority before going to Nekoosa-Edwards Paper Mill in Potsdam. After leaving the paper mill, he went to work for Reynolds Metals, where he retired in 1996. Roy was a lifelong member of the Calvary Baptist Church, where he served several years as a Deacon and taught Sunday School. Roy was passionate about sharing the Gospel message with everyone. He led a ministry at the Highland Nursing Home and was a faithful evangelist in the community. He loved to watch and play hockey, playing with the Brasher Pulpers Hockey Team into his 60’s. He also enjoyed playing softball and tennis, pitching horseshoes and had a great love for music.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Janet; his children, Dean and Lisa Watkins of Massena; Valerie and Dan Murphy of Mahopac; Penny Watkins of Pittsburgh, PA; Jeffrey Watkins of Massena; Rusty Watkins of Perth Amboy, NJ; two grandchildren, Joshua Watkins and Kathryn Murphy; his brother, Clair “Babe” and Joan Watkins of Lockport, NY; his sister, Joan Puscar of Rochester, PA; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Miles and Keith Watkins; his sisters, Dorothea Clark, Sylvia Green and Florence Pellegrino.

Friends may call at the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9:00 pm. A Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held Thursday 6:00 pm at the Calvary Baptist Church, 6096 State Highway 37, Massena, with Pastor Colin Lucid, officiating. Burial will be in the spring at Massena Center Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions in Roy’s memory may be made to Calvary Baptist Church or Hospice & Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley.

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