Maxwell Winn Watkins, Jr.

Maxwell Winn Watkins, Jr., age 62, of Sutherland, VA, passed away Monday, June 10, 2024 at his home.

A lifelong resident of Dinwiddie County, he was preceded in death by his father, Maxwell Winn Watkins, Sr.

As a seventh-generation farmer, Maxwell devoted his life to the field of agriculture, serving on numerous committees as a subject matter expert, including Dinwiddie FSA, Appomattox Soil & Water, and Dinwiddie IDA. He was named Sunbelt Farmer of the Year for Virginia in 2012, and twice was recognized as Cotton Farmer of the Year for Virginia.

Maxwell devoted his life to helping others. He was known as a kind, compassionate and generous friend to many in the community. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, truck and tractor pulling, traveling, and good food. Maxwell worked hard and he played hard. He loved new experiences, making new friends, and embraced the opportunity to travel with Yellowstone being his most celebrated adventure. Most of all, he will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Susan Anderson Watkins; his sons, Nicholas Maxwell Watkins (Matt) and Cody Dane Watkins (Melissa); grandchildren, Luke Dane Watkins and Maxwell Benjamin Watkins; his mother, Judy Watkins; a brother, Keith Watkins (Tammy); a sister, Tracy Bishop (Calvin); devoted family friend and employee, Ryan Davis; as well as a large extended family and many friends.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, June 13, 2024 at the Trinity Church Cemetery, 4814 Courthouse Road, Church Road, VA 23833. A celebration of Maxwell’s life will follow at the family farm, 16002 Namozine Road, Sutherland, VA 23885.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Maxwell Watkins Agricultural Scholarship Fund at https://johnrandolphfoundation.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1528.