The Rev. Lloyd Birl Watkins Sr., 79, of Empire, passed away on Monday, Aug. 15, 2011, at UAB Medical Center. He was a minister in the Church of God pastoring churches for a total of 36 years. He also served in the Marine Corps.

Funeral services will be on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011, at 2 p.m. in the New Horizon Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow in New Canaan Cemetery. The Rev. Leland Tingle and the Rev. Mark Brand will officiate. Visitation will be today, Aug. 17, 2011, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alonzo and Essie Watkins.

He is survived by his wife, Melba Watkins; son, the Rev. Lloyd “Birl” Watkins Jr.; daughters, Cecelia Roberts, Teresa Nolen, Lisha Camp and Meloney Stufflebeme; sisters, Ruby Wingo of Empire and Bonnie Hudspeth of Texas; 15 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

New Horizon Memorial Funeral Home of Dora will direct.

New Horizon Memorial Funeral Home, Dora; 205-648-2323