William Russell Watkins, 75, of Rainbow Springs Estates, Dunnellon passed away on Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at his residence. He was born on June 15, 1945 in Fairmont, West Virginia, a son of the late James and Elsie Oliver Watkins.
Survivors include his daughter Tiffani Markham, of Dunnellon, son James Herlihy of Fairmont, West Virginia. His sister Janice Cosco and brother Junior Watkins both of Fairmont, brother Eugene Watkins of Williston, and brother Dave Watkins of Fort McCoy. He also has six grand children and one great grandson.
He was a retired bridge builder having a hand in many of the bridges along I75 from Jasper, Florida to Tampa, Florida. His very first bridge job in Florida was over the Suwanee River in Fanning Springs. His early years were spent serving in the United States Army for ten years throughout the Vietnam War.
Friends may call at the Fero Funeral Home in Beverly Hills Tuesday, 9/15 from 4-7pm. Interment will be held Wednesday, 9/16 at 12:30 at the National Cemetery in Bushnell.
