It is with deep sadness, we report that William (Billy) Owen Watkins, Jr. age 98 passed away peacefully at home, on Monday, October 29, 2018.

He was born in Birmingham, AL, June 17, 1920 and resided most of his life in Jacksonville, FL.  Billy was the beloved husband, of almost 70 years, to the late Norma Jean (Quina) Watkins.

He served in the Army during WWII and worked at John H Swisher company for over 40 years.  He leaves behind a daughter, Judy (Bill) Ecker; son, Dean (Murla) Watkins; four grandchildren, Shelly Fox, Billy (Dana) Ecker, Gene Watkins and DeeDee (Matt) Grimes; eleven great grandchildren, Melissa, Lucas, Kassie, Alaina , Nicholas, Ansley, Braden, Jonathan, Hannah, Jacob and Harper, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Billy and Norma will be joined again for ever December 10, 2018 at 2:30PM at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218, where Military Honors will be rendered. The family asks that anyone attending the service, please dress casually.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in William's honor to the Alzheimer's Association
Central & North Florida Chapter 2180 W State Road 434, Suite 1100 Longwood, FL 32779.  Please sign the family's online guestbook.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction and care of Arlington Park Funeral Home, 6920 Lone Star Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32211 (904) 724-6384