Gary Wayne Watkins

After a courageous three-year battle with leukemia, Gary W. Watkins entered Heaven's gates at 2:25 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the age of 77. He was born on August 31, 1947, the fifth of eight children, son of the late Frank Drew Watkins and Edna Mae (Salley) Watkins. He graduated from Huntington High School in 1965.
Gary was united in marriage to Nina J. Mick on April 9, 1965. They celebrated a lasting love of 53 years. They were blessed by three loving children, Tammy (Jeff) Dotson, Kimberly Watkins, and Gary (Joni) Watkins, Jr.; unofficially adopted daughter, Karen (Jeff) Edwards. He was a proud Pap to his grandchildren, whom he adored, Zachary, Kristin (Mary Ann), Caitlin (Seth), Jaden (Emma), and Karah (Elijah). He was a very dedicated family man.
Also surviving are sisters Alice (Lloyd) Gray and Dorothy Morehouse; brother Thad Watkins; sister-in-law, Beverly Watkins; and brother-in-law, Ronnie Booth. He left a host of nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Edna Watkins; wife, Nina (Mick) Watkins; in-laws, Charlie and Jane Mick; brothers, Darrell Watkins, and Frank Watkins Jr; sisters, Karen Watkins and Marsha (Watkins) Booth; brothers-in-law, Sonny Morehouse, David Mick, and Roger Hopkins; sisters-in-law, Rhonda Ross and Shelly Hopkins; and many other endearing relatives.
Gary retired from CCI with 32 ½ years of state service as an Activity Therapist Administrator. He attended Maple Grove C U Church from the time he found the Lord until his passing. He was a faithful and loyal member for many years. He was a member of the Ross County Senior Center, where he served as a board member and called bingo for a number of years.
He loved vacationing with his family. He loved Myrtle Beach and the mountains of Tennessee. He loved all sports, but his passion was bingo. He was fun loving and always in a playful mood. He kept a great attitude though this whole journey. The family is forever grateful to Gary's special friend, Helen McClure, who was by his side from the beginning to the end of his long battle. He will be missed by many.
The family would like to say a special thank you to the nurses at Adena Cancer Center, the staff at the James Cancer Center, especially his oncologist, Dr. Gregory Behbehani, who was amazing, and Pastor Brett Smith. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the James Cancer Center.
Please honor Gary by wearing Ohio State Buckeyes, Cincinnati Reds, or Cincinnati Bengals attire to his services.
Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Boyer Funeral Home, Waverly, Ohio with Pastor Brett Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Union Cemetery, Denver Road, Waverly.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at the funeral home
boyerfuneral.com