Jerry Wayne Watkins Sr.

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