Family will receive friends on Monday, August 18, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. at White's Funeral and Cremation services, 867 S. James Road. Columbus, OH 43227 . Interment: Glenrest Memorial Estates. Livestream will start at 11:00 a.m.

William Watkins, known as “Bill” to his siblings, friends and acquaintances, and “Uncle Bill” to all others expectantly but suddenly, was called home at the age of 97 on August 4, 2025 at his residence.

Born on August 25, 1927, the fourth of eleven children, he was preceded in death by: Wife Norma of 48 years; Grandparents Clarence and Clara Walker; Parents Henry and Tillie Watkins; Brothers Rev. Jack, Clarence, Paul, David; Sisters Etta, Betty, Ruby, Dorothy, and Anita.

In his early years, Bill was a talented entertainer, having his name on marquis as both the main and the opening acts. Bill could engage audiences by dancing, singing, as well as telling jokes. Family members would often encourage his joke-telling, and sometimes he would initiate it by “calling us up” just to make us laugh. He would also tell a joke when you called the house and before you left from visiting. He would affectionately say, “hang in but don’t hang out!” Bill loved all of his family members. He had a special bond with Janet. They talked daily and she attended many church concerts and events. Bill took his singing from the night life to a Christ-life, serving faithfully at the Christ Memorial Missionary Baptist Church from the time of its inception. He was a faithful prayer warrior, loved hearing the Word of God preached and taught, looked forward to every communion Sunday, and thoroughly enjoyed singing with and listening to the men’s and pastoral choirs. Bill also shared his love of singing praises to the Lord at many special occasions, church events and funerals. His rendition of “stand” is a family favorite! Bill unselfishly gave his time and talents to the church until his health declined. He continued to attend church services with the assistance of family members, Johnny Allen and niece Jacquie.

He and Norma met at Mt Olivet Baptist Church, and after their union, he helped Norma rear nieces Michelle McMillon, Tracee, Kelley, Cortney, and Jennifer Barnes, and nephews Darvyn Lewis and Shawn Barnes, as though they were their own. This continued after the untimely loss of Norma’s sister Muriel Lewis-Barnes in 1988. Bill was a devoted and dedicated husband. He was also very diligent and insistent on caring for Norma until her death.

Bill is survived by his son David Alexander, his sister and dear friend Janet, dear and loving nieces Tracee Barnes and Jacquie Dennis, nieces, Patsy Milner-Turner, Carol Wilkerson, Kelley Barnes, Amelia Brown and Cornelia Smart, a host of nieces and nephews named and not named, in addition to adopted Son, Johnny Allen and family, Sandy and Summer, special friends Billy Peoples, Eddie and Marsha Robinson. Bill will be mourned and missed, but his loving memory will always be cherished.