William “Gene” Watkins worked at Swisher Cigars and retired after 44 years as a mechanic. Everyone he met loved him and his name at Swisher was “Huggy Bear” because he loved hugging people. Gene enjoyed doing woodworking in his spare time. He also loved spending time with his beloved four grandchildren Logan, Bailee, Breanna and Nicholas Orion and they loved him.
He is survived by Brenda, his wife of 51 years; daughter Sheri; son Brian; niece Brenda Sorell of Leesburg, FL; brother Jimmy Watkins (Dawn) of Hazelhurst, GA; Brother-in-law Ricky; sister-in-law Cindy Halstead of Louisiana; aunt Addie Dean of Georgia and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his mother Lorene Watkins; brother Cliff Strickland; and daughter-in-law Laura Watkins, whom he loved also.
A visitation will be held Friday, May 15, 2020 from 2 pm to 4 pm at Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205. Graveside Services will be on Saturday May 16, 2020 at 2:00 pm, with Brother Daryl officiating, at Riverside Memorial Park cemetery.
