William Eugene (Gene) Watkins, age 46, passed away Friday, June 21, 2019.  Gene was born on April 1, 1973 in Jacksonville, Fl.  He was the son of Dean and Murla (Wall) Watkins.  He graduated from Terry Parker High School, "Class of 91" and attended Jacksonville University.  He loved sports especially Soccer (nicknamed: The Wall) when he was growing up.  His primary career was with TGI Friday's which took him from Jacksonville to Panama City, Ft. Walton, and Pensacola, Florida. He was a huge Gator fan, football, and women's softball.  He was a devoted family man and loved spending time with his nieces and nephews, but his main mission was to raise his son Braden, and help with his development.

His is survived by his son, Braden James Watkins; parents, Murla and Dean Watkins; sister, Dee Dee (Matt) Grimes, nieces and nephews Jonathan, Hannah, Jacob and Harper Grimes, as well as numerous family and friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his Grandparents, Norma Jean (Quina) Watkins, William Owen Watkins and Mary V.F. Wall.

A celebration of Gene's life will take place at 1:00 p.m., Monday, July 22nd at Arlington Park Funeral Home, 6920 Lone Star Rd, Jacksonville, Florida. The family will begin greeting guests at noon. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Arlington Park Funeral Home. The family requests guests come in casual attire.