About Mr. Dana A. Watkins, Sr.
Dana A. Watkins, Sr.
Mr. Dana A. Watkins, Sr. was born and raised in the Summerhill Community of Southeast Atlanta by his grandmother, the late Mrs. Catherine Watkins.
At an early age, Dana had a curiosity with funeral service. He would frequently attend the funerals of relatives and friends of his grandmother. Dana would be spellbound and interested in every move of the Funeral Director. He would watch Mr. Daniel Barnett of Sellers Brothers Funeral Home care for families and give attention to every detail concerning the funeral.
At an early age, Dana attended the Atlanta Public School System and later graduated from Walter F. George High School. His love for business grew, and he began working in Corporate America. He obtained Executive Management positions at companies such as Sam’s Club, Lowe’s Home Improvement and Home Depot, managing stores grossing more than $100 million annually.
Dana’s dream of working in funeral service became a reality, when he was offered an opportunity to work at Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home. During this time, Dana immediately learned how to conduct funeral services, as well as complete funeral arrangements. While working for Mr. Willie Watkins, he served families all over the City of Atlanta and throughout the State of Georgia such as, the late Yolanda King, Reverend James Orange, Reverend Howard Creecy,Sr and Mr. Terrell Slanton.
In 2011, the provisions of God were made and Dana opened his own funeral home, serving families in Spalding, Henry, Coweta, Fayette and other surrounding counties throughout metropolitan areas. This funeral home offers cremation, catering, harpist, horse and carriage and more.
Dana is a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, under the leadership of Rev. Timothy Flemming, Sr.
Dana truly believes in his company motto, “A Ministry of Service with Compassion.” Since 2011, Watkins Funeral Home McDonough Chapel has looked for ways to give back to the community by providing Free Food, Health Screenings and Will and Estate Planning during our Annual Community Day Event
Dana considers the late Mr. Gus Thornhill of East Point, Georgia (Gus Thornhill Funeral Home) and Mr. John Beckwith of Dallas, Texas (Golden Gate Funeral Home) and Mr. Marcellous Thornton,Jr as his mentors. They have provided him with much guidance and support. Dana is a proud member of the NAACP and the National Action Network, Georgia Funeral Service Practitioners Association, and Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce.