Services for Rufus A. Watkins of California, formerly ofBrookhaven, were 9 a.m., July 3, at Inglewood Cemetery MortuaryManchester Chapel in Inglewood, Calif.

Mr. Watkins, 82, died June 27, 2003. He was born in Brookhavenon March 3, 1921, to Charlie Watkins and Louise NorwoodWatkins.

He was a graduate of Alexander High School. He served in themilitary from Oct. 26, 1942-Feb. 6, 1946, when he was honorablydischarged. He moved to Los Angeles, Calif., and attended Gloverand Sons Institute of Tailoring and became a certified tailor. Heworked for many years as head steward at Mike Lyman Grill of LosAngeles, and later worked as manager and cook at Duke’s BurgerHouse in Los Angeles.

Preceding him in death were his parents.

Survivors are his brother, Charles Watkins of Los Angeles,Calif.; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives andfriends.