Wylie ISD Mourns the Loss of Wally Watkins, Namesake of Watkins Elementary

It is with great sadness that Wylie ISD announces the passing of Wally Watkins, namesake of Watkins Elementary School.

With the family’s permission, the district wants to share Mr. Watkins’ obituary and service information.

“Wally Windsor Watkins, aged 89, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026.

Wally had a lengthy and impactful career as a teacher, coach, principal, and assistant superintendent spanning 33 years, with 17 years working in Wylie ISD. Wally Watkins Elementary School was named in his honor in 2010.

Wally was married to Nita, the love of his life, for almost 70 years. He was a father of four children, nine grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. Wally was a devoted Christian father who created a loving and supportive environment for all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who routinely went to him for his thoughtful advice and words of wisdom. 

Wally’s compassion, strong work ethic, and sense of humor, along with his positive and grateful outlook on life, will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.”

A memorial service celebrating Wally’s life will be held at Wally Watkins Elementary School in Wylie, Texas, on June 30, 2026, at 10 a.m.”

Donations to Watkins Elementary School in his honor can be made online.

Mr. Watkins remained dedicated to Wrangler students. His final appearance in the district was at the annual Howdy Handshake competition for Watkins fourth graders on May 20. This event reflects his legacy of building meaningful connections and teaching students the value of strong communication skills. In the final round of the competition, Mr. Watkins served as the ultimate judge, selecting the overall winner of the handshake contest.

Mr. Watkins graduated from Wylie High School in 1955 and was a recipient of the Pearl Birmingham Scholarship.

He returned to Wylie ISD in 1975 to be principal of Hartman Elementary, and when the district’s second elementary campus, Birmingham, opened in 1985, he was its first principal.

Mr. Watkins served as assistant superintendent for Wylie ISD until his retirement in 1992.