Charlie was born June 18th 1947 in Seattle WA to Dr. Harry and Margaret Watkins. He grew up in Aberdeen, graduating from Aberdeen High School in 1965. He then enlisted in the Navy where he served as a Corpsman during the Vietnam war.

When he returned from Vietnam he pursued his education; earning his undergraduate degree from Western Washington University and his graduate degree in Psychology from the University of New Haven.

After working in the private sector for a number of years he found his true calling; teaching Psychology. He taught at Grays Harbor College from 1992 until his retirement in 2010. He was not a believer in “gift” grades and expected his students to work hard if they wanted a good grade. Many times over the years he and his family would run into former students who thanked him for holding them to such high standards.

Charlie loved spending time with his family and everyone who knew him knew that his dachshunds Stevie, Chrissy and Rosie, were part of the family.

He is survived by his wife Paula of the family home, daughter Kelli (Ray) Coffman of Shelton WA, brother Roy of Mason Lake WA, grandsons Anthony Gardner of Olympia WA, James Charles Jacka of McGuire Air Force Base New Jersey, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Harry.

There will be a celebration of life at the Grays Harbor College HUB on Saturday May 6th at 1 PM.

To share memories or express condolences please visit www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com. Arrangements by Harrison Family Mortuary.

Obituary for Charles Hoover Watkins

Affiliations