Billy Gibson Watkins, 90, passed away peacefully Saturday, March 29, 2025, at The Meadows Nursing Home in Fulton. He was born May 16, 1934 to the late Fred Benjamin Watkins and the late Genia Reeves Watkins. He was a member of Fulton United Methodist Church. He attended school in Fulton. Bill's favorite pass time was gardening. He owned the Double J steakhouse for 10 years and worked at ICC for 15 years. He was in the U.S. Air Force in California and also at Goose Bay Labradore. Bill and 6 of his brothers all served in the armed forces covering the span from WWII to Vietnam Conflict and his father served in WWI in the 11th Calvary.
Services will be 12:00 pm on Wednesday April 2, 2025, at Senter Funeral Directors with Bro. Smith Lilley officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am Wednesday, April 2, all in the Senter Funeral Home chapel. Burial will be at Harden's Chapel Cemetery. Senter Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Mary Jean Murphy Watkins of Fulton; son, Jeff (Sherry) Watkins of Mooreville; daughter, Tracy (Jim) Bembenek of Westfield, IN; grandsons: Ross (Emily) Bembenek and Eric Bembenek; granddaughter, Abigail Bembenek; great-granddaughter, Maddi Bembenek; great-grandson, Theo Bembenek; brothers: Frank, Troy, and Joe Watkins; step-grandson, Corey Grooms; step-grandsons: Gavin, Ayden, and Jenson Grooms.
Preceded in death by his parents and 5 brothers
Pallbearers will be Ross Bembenek, Eric Bembenek, Corey Grooms, Jim Bembenek, Gavin Grooms, Maxwell Gahagan
Online condolences can be expressed at www.senterfuneraldirectors.com