Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Watkins received an Artium Baccalaureus degree from Johns Hopkins University in 1922.

He was in private practice of law in Baltimore from 1925 to 1955 and was a named partner in the firm of Piper, Watkins, Avirett & Egerton, which merged with Marbury, Miller & Evans to form Piper & Marbury in 1952.

[1][2] Watkins received a recess appointment from President Dwight D. Eisenhower on August 12, 1955, to a seat on the United States District Court for the District of Maryland vacated by Judge William Caldwell Coleman.

He was confirmed by the United States Senate on March 1, 1956, and received his commission the next day.

His service was terminated on March 19, 1986, due to his death in Catonsville, Maryland.