Richmond Watkins

Richmond Watkins, affectionately known to most as R. F., was born on February 20, 1927, to Richmond and Nellie Watkins in Kemper County near Shuqualak, Mississippi. After graduating from high school, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the Navy Seabees during World War II.

Following his honorable discharge from military service, he met and married the love of his life, Mary Odell Sanders, on October 23, 1950. Together they built a loving family, raising one daughter, Phillis, and two sons, Ricky and Michael.

After establishing his family, Brother Watkins answered a greater calling—the call to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. On May 18, 1953, he received his ministerial license, becoming the first licensed minister of the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) in Starkville, Mississippi. He later received his ordination and faithfully served as an Ordained Minister of the UPCI.

Brother Watkins worked in the retail industry, serving as a store manager in Canton, Mississippi, before relocating to Morton in 1965. There, he established First United Pentecostal Church of Morton and faithfully pastored the congregation for the next twenty-seven years. Under his dedicated leadership, the church experienced growth and became a beacon of Apostolic truth in the community. In 1992, he transitioned to the role of Bishop, passing the mantle of pastor to his son, Ricky.

After a lifetime devoted to serving God, his family, and the church, Bishop R. F. Watkins entered his eternal reward on May 31, 2007. His legacy of faithful ministry, steadfast leadership, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel continues to impact generations.