Brian Christopher Watkins

Obituary for Brian Christopher WatkinsOn Friday afternoon, August 8, 2025, God opened His gates to Heaven and brought His child home-Brian Christopher Watkins—to release his soul into the Lord’s hands.Brian was born on July 12, 1981 in Memphis, Tennessee to David Watkins and Brenda Burgess. Throughout his childhood, he traveled the world due to his father’s and stepfather’s military service.Brian attended Fort Campbell High School, where he was recognized as one of the top players in the city. His natural talent was undeniable; he earned a spot on the high school varsity basketball team while still in middle school. Growing up, Brian and his younger brother Maurice often played on the same team. Maurice once said, “When you saw Brian play, you knew God had His hand on him. Whenever I think of natural talent in anything, the first person who comes to mind is Brian playing basketball. He was only one year older than me, and I don’t remember him ever learning to play. He was already good at the age of four, doing dunks on his Nerf basketball goal.” Brian had a deep passion for basketball and a heart full of love.As his basketball career progressed, Brian had the opportunity to play AAU basketball, where he competed with and alongside several players who would go on to the NBA. Soon after, he moved to Wiesbaden, Germany, where his skills reached their highest level. Brian received recruitment letters from several universities, including Duke, Villanova, and North Carolina. He was known for his electrifying highlight tapes and earned the name on the court: “B READY” and he always “STAYED READY.”Brian was adventurous and held several jobs that allowed him to develop lifelong skills. He worked with his Uncle Greg at Cox Enterprise, where he became a skilled truck driver. He loved being on the road, often sharing videos of his travels and playlists with his family. His time at Cox Enterprise prepared him for his later career with Bolt Trucking Express.Brian had a beautiful spirit. He was funny, a goofball at times, and always full of life. He was a ladies’ man, yet he loved everyone deeply. His creativity showed in his body art, with each tattoo carrying meaning and told a story. He had a sweet tooth, loved candy, and would eat just about anything fried. He also had a deep love for his Air Jordan basketball shoes, and his collection filled his room, stacked along the walls and even under the bed. Most importantly, Brian was a devoted father to four handsome sons, a beautiful daughter, and a cherished granddaughter. He was a proud “momma’s boy” and deeply passionate about his family. To Brian, his closest friends were not just friends but “Bros” and family.He leaves to cherish his memory his parents: David Watkins (Salome Watkins) and Brenda Burgess (Michael Burgess); his grandmother: Eunice Cox; his five children: Brianna Outlaw, Ty Williams, Carmelo Watkins, Andrez Patino, and Brennin Watkins; his granddaughter: Royalty Outlaw; his siblings: Maurice Watkins, Kimberly Logan (Jamael Logan), Courtney Burgess, Howard Jackson, Krystal Burgess, Leon Burgess, Kimberly Burgess, Darreon Lynch, and Darcel Lynch; his cousin, who was like a brother: Myron Cox (Rachon Cox); along with a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.Brian’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved him.