This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: WATKINS, Reece, Erb Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/JaB.2ACI/410 Message Board Post: >From the Medford (OR) Mail Tribune 2-24-02 Virgil J. Watkins, a long standing member of the Medford area, passed away on Jan. 31, 2002 in Sarosota, FL in his home at the age of 79. Virgil was born in Ringwood, OK. He was a WWII veteran, having served aboard the USS Lang in the South Pacific (1943-1945). He was awarded nine battle stars for campaigns in Guadalcanal, Midway, and Marshall Islands. After his military service, he lived in Portland, OR, working at several auto dealerships. He settled in the Medford area and worked from salesman to General Manager of KSHA Radio (1965-1978). He was a member of the Medford Elks Club for several years. In 1980 Virgil moved to Sarasota, FL, where he later retired. He enjoyed boating, tennis, fishing, camping and traveling. He is survived by his loving wife, Vivian Watkins of Sarasota, FL; sister, Jacqueline Reece (Watkins) of Sun City, FL; a brother, Carl Watkins of Elgin, OR; 2 children; Sandra Erb of San Diego, CA, and Curtis Watkins of Beale AFB, CA, and 5 grandchildren. Memorial donations may be made in Virgil's name to: Hospice of Southwest Florida, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238 This appeared in the Medford paper as a memorial. His obituary may have appeared in the Sarasota, FL newspaper.