Jerry Wayne Watkins
May 31, 1957 ~ November 13, 2023
Jerry Wayne Watkins Sr., 66, of Columbus, passed away November 13, 2023 at the home of his daughter.
Jerry was born May 31, 1957 in Columbus, the son of James and Helen Godsey Watkins. He was a U.S. Army Veteran, and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and being in the outdoors. Jerry also enjoyed working with the animals on the farm, tinkering, singing, shooting pool, and watching as well as participating in demolition derbies. Jerry would say his real love is riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, but deep down, his real love was his family. He loved spending time with his kids and his grandkids.
Jerry is survived by his wife Wendy Sue Watkins; sons Ronald Watkins and Nickiah (Cassidy) Watkins both of Columbus, and Jerry (Elizabeth) Watkins of North Vernon; daughters Bonnita (Bruce) Russell, Ashley (Tony) Walker, and Crystal Watkins all of Columbus; step-daughters Danelle (Patrick) Gates and Samantha Long both of Columbus; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brothers Bobby Joe Watkins and Bill Watkins both of Columbus, Mike (Carolyn) Watkins of Greensburg, and Floyd Watkins of Columbus; and sisters Jeanie Watkins of Lexington, Kentucky and Norma (David) Watkins of Columbus.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Martha Watkins on November 12, 2010; a grandson Christopher Bridgewater; and brothers Allen, Larry, and Frankie Watkins.
The funeral will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 18, 2023 at the Jewell – Rittman Family Funeral Home with Rev. Derek Carpenter officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. Friday and one hour prior to the service Saturday. Burial will be at Garland Brook Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home to assist with final expenses.
You are invited to send a message to the family via the internet.
www.jewellrittman.com
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Peaceful White Lilies Basket was purchased for the family of Jerry Wayne Watkins Sr..
Lit a candle in memory of Jerry Wayne Watkins
You know i will ism sosorry to hear this he mademe laugh
Lit a candle in memory of Jerry Wayne Watkins
Lit a candle in memory of Jerry Wayne Watkins
Sorry for your loss…lots of prayers for you and your family
hi papa how are you doing you there its addy I miss you so much I is almost a year since you passed and I miss you like crazy me and tatum miss you hope your not in pain and watching over me and tatum we all miss you like crazy I want to know if you miss us like we miss you papa
miss you
You took me in like your own and My girls adored you and called you papaw. We will all miss you dearly love you always and forever rest high on that mountain Jerry your in no pain anymore nor suffering 😭 love you ❤️
So sorry for your devastating loss. My heart breaks for you guys. Jerry was taken way too young and you all should have had more time together on this earth. He’s in a better place with no more pain or worries watching out for all of you now and you will see him again one day. RIP Jerry Fly high
Dad was Definitely one of a kind. Gonna miss him so much!
Jerry was like a grandpa to me and my siblings. I always had so much fun with him and he was definitely a light in my path and a lot of others. He never failed to make people laugh or smile. He always cares for me and my family. I miss him and love him so much!!! Rest Easy🕊️️
“In Loving Memory” 30″ Chime was purchased for the family of Jerry Wayne Watkins Sr..
TA Services, Driver and Dispatch Teams planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Jerry Wayne Watkins Sr..
Sweet Tenderness was purchased for the family of Jerry Wayne Watkins Sr..
Amanda Thompson and family planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Jerry Wayne Watkins Sr..
Lit a candle in memory of Jerry Wayne Watkins
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Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Jerry Wayne Watkins Sr..
Diana Gillenwater planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Jerry Wayne Watkins Sr..
Country Basket Blooms was purchased for the family of Jerry Wayne Watkins Sr..
Wow!! I was so surprised to see Jerry had passed.
I went to Southside with Jerry for 2 years. We kind of liked each other for a bit. He was very good looking.
I’d ride my bike down to meet him at the bridge on the Egg Ladies road.
His cousin was dating my best friend. We’d kid each other about how cool it would be if we grew up and married them. We’d be related.
I’ve often wondered what happened to him. It sounds like he had a very blessed life. He was very loved. He cared for others and he touched many lives. He left lots of memories for all of you to remember him by. I know he will be missed.
So sorry to hear of the families loss.
he was like a dad to me he was my grampa and i miss him so much i can´t be happy to see you agin so soon i did not konw that you had canser i miss you and i love you so much papaw
jerry was my best friend losing him rly hurt i cnnot wait till we meet again u met the world to me i love you sm
I know this might sound funny but I think he was my cousin my name is Bessie Watkins I have been gone since I was 18 years old from my family and all I just need to know if anybody could let me know if he was my cousin cuz I have been looking for years to find him and my other cousins okay I couldn’t find any of them and if I’m wrong I’m sorry for y’all’s loss Betsy McFall
its your one year today I will cry when I get home ok papa I miss you like crazy and I hope your having a good time up there an you have no more pain at all and hope your having fun with cracker and mama
Lit a candle in memory of Jerry Wayne Watkins
Jerry was like my grandpa because I never had one bc I lost mine years ago so he was always like one I used to like going over there to his place just to see him he was really my bsf