Obituary

William Jay Watkins Jr. (Bill), 82, passed away on April 27, 2026. He was born February 10, 1944, in Bedford County to William “Jay” and Ruth (Miller) Watkins. He is predeceased by his parents and daughter Tammy Delzangle and son-in-law Pete Delzangle .

Survived by the love of his life, wife of 51 years, Sandra (Reighard) Watkins; brothers Tom (Bonnie) Watkins, Alum Bank; Alan (Rosemary) Watkins, Sunset City, FL; and Rick Watkins, Johnstown. Also survived by these children; BJ (Shannon) Watkins, Windber; Vicky (Jim) Carnicella, Cape Canveral, FL; Michelle (Terry) Hershberger Ijmasville, MD; Tricia (Wes) Kestermont, Sidman; Lory (Mike) Borischak, Windber; and Joe Niovich, Annapolis, MD. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren who were his pride and joy; and his neighbor family the Denault’s who adopted him as “Pap”. He loved to mentor his grandchildren spending much time hunting and fishing and passing down his master skills.

Bill was busier after his retirement from Berkebile Brothers than he was when he worked, always volunteering his time to whomever needed it. He was a longtime volunteer caretaker of the Maple Springs Cemetery making certain to honor those who went before him. He was a member and officer at the Jerome Sportsmen’s Club where he mentored youth by teaching hunter safety courses and organizing fundraising events to continue to promote youth shooting events.

He was a man with a great sense of humor and a great love for all. Always thinking of other people, his last act of giving and paying forward was through organ donation. His deep faith and trust in Jesus gives the family great comfort to know he was received with open arms and heard the Master say “Well done my good and faithful servant. “A service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held Saturday, May 2 at 11:00 a.m. at Thomas Mills Mennonite Church, 112 Swank Road, Hollsopple, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s honor can be made to the Jerome Sportmen’s Association, 3220 Jerome Hill Road, Hollsopple, PA 15935 or Crossroads Freedom Center, 4730 Ijamsville Road, Ijamsville, MD 21754. The family would like to thank the staff of Westmoreland Hospital for their compassion and care for not only our dad, but also our family during this difficult time. Arrangements in care of Simple Alternatives, Inc., Affordable Cremation & Sensible Funeral Care. Condolences may be made at SimpleAlternativeCares.com