William 'Bill' Paul Watkins, 82, of Keystone Heights, Florida, passed away on February 23, 2026, in Gainesville. He was born on September 13, 1943, in Willimantic, Connecticut to Paul William and Florence May (Chowanec) Watkins.

Bill made his living working with construction equipment, a trade he took great pride in. He also loved to fish in his spare time.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother-in-law, Jerry Carroll; siblings Leonard Watkins, Mildred Beckham, Jim Watkins, Juanita Roland and Veronica Freeman; and his niece, Janice Thorpe.

Bill is survived by his siblings: Michael Watkins, Andrew Watkins, Jessica Carroll, Cynthia Hastings, and Eric Watkins. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory, He will be missed by his caretaker and neighbor Vaughn Wall, and friends, Angela and Hunter Johnson, who held a special place in his heart. As well as his special long-time home nurse Kayla.

Visitation for Bill will be held Wednesday, March 4, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a funeral service to follow at 5:00 p.m. at Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 East Walker Dr., Keystone Heights, FL 32656.