Jerry Clyde Watkins, 77, of Mershon, passed away early Sunday morning, April 19, 2026, at his residence.
Born in Alma January 30, 1949, he had lived in Pierce County all of his life. He had been employed by Pierce Timber Company for over 30 years until his health began to decline. He enjoyed hunting and fishing when he wasn’t working, but mostly he loved spending time with his family, whether it be by blood or work, there was no separation. A simple man of few words who worked hard and played hard, you never had to guess where you stood with him. He was of the Baptist faith.
He was a son of the late Eulus and Mildred Julia Wilkins Watkins. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Linda Faye Sapp Watkins; his daughter, April Hernandez; two brothers, Ronnie Watkins and Ricky Watkins and 2 sisters, Joyce Watkins and Kathy Watkins.
Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Christel Watkins (Mark Johnson), Mershon; his son and daughter-in-law, Jeremy “PeeWee” (Sherry) Watkins, Patterson; three brothers, Donnie (Carol) Watkins, Mershon, David (Doodle) Watkins, Blackshear, and Randy (Donna) Watkins, Mershon; his son-in-law, Angel Hernandez, Mershon; 11 grandchildren, Tyler Watkins (Jeannine Paterek), Elyssa (Jacob) Woodard, Emily Hernandez (Jorge Perez), Jonah Hernandez (Tori), Caleb (Jessica) Watkins, Jamee (Pam) St. Thomas, Shannon (Meghan) St. Thomas, Kala St. Thomas (Jessie), Jadan (Hannah) Johnson, Bryce (Molly) Johnson and Kacee (Paige) Johnson; 25 great-grandchildren, Eli, Anna Jade, Brayden, Bailey, Ella Mae, Sophie June, Lane, Kandice, Aleigha, Jessie, Maddy, Summerlyn, Paisley, Addie, Paisley, Jade, Kelly Grace, Saylor, Hazleigh, Zane, Sylvie Joe, Bentlee, Beau, Brody and Kolter; one great-great-grandchild, Kolton and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Visitation will be from 6-7 p.m. Thursday, April 26, at the funeral home.
A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 23, from the Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Chapel.
The family requests that employees of Pierce Timber serve as honorary pallbearers.
Memorialization will be by cremation.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Comfort Care Hospice, 88 Heritage Street, Baxley, GA, 31513.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook at www.pearsondial.com.
Pearson-Dial Funeral Home of Blackshear is honored to serve the Watkins family during this time.
