CLINTON — Gerald “Jerry” Ralph Watkins, 88, of Clinton, passed away at 5:22 p.m. on November 6, 2026, at Decatur Memorial Hospital, Decatur.
Jerry was born on July 2, 1938, in Anchor, Ill., the son of Carl Melvin and Helen Marie (King) Watkins. He married Marilyn K. Shell on June 10, 1957, in Bloomington. She passed away on January 11, 2021.
Survivors include his children, Thomas (Jill) Watkins, Normal, Ill.; Tina (Garrett Wright) Beck, Mesa, Ariz.; and Tonya Watkins, Flower Mound, Texas; grandchildren: Ruth (Verlyn) Wiesner, Adam Cooper, Alleria Watkins, Jason Williams, Zach (Paris) Beck, Quintin Beck, Garrett (Hailey) Watkins, Jacob Arnfield, Erik (Kristen) Petersen, Erin Petersen; 23 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Charles Watkins; daughter-in-law, Janice Petersen, Clinton; and his four-legged companion, Buddy.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Steve Watkins.
Jerry was a beloved Clinton businessman and devoted family man. He was a singer-song writer-guitar player who loved Elvis Presley and gave up his early dreams to support the family’s business. As the third-generation owner of Watkins Jewelry, he dedicated 60 years to his family’s legacy, continually operating the business until his passing.
He took over the reins of the historic family business in 1966 in Normal, before successfully relocating the shop to Clinton, in 1989, where it became a staple of the community. Beyond his professional dedication, Jerry was a man of deep faith and had a strong, personal relationship with his Lord. Jerry possessed a big heart and a welcoming spirit; he truly never knew a stranger.
Jerry was a man of diverse passions and craftsmanship. A lifetime member of the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association (N.M.L.R.A.), he frequently shared his expertise by contributing articles to its journal and was proud to be a founding member of the Kickapoo Muzzleloaders Range. He also held a lifelong fascination with cars and motorcycles.
Jerry’s life was a testament to the power of love, work and connection. He taught us that joy is found in small moments, that kindness is a choice and that legacy is built not by what we own, but by how we live. To his family, friends and Helen Brooks: Thank you for sharing your lives with him. His memory will forever be a source of comfort and inspiration.
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”
A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at a later date. The family has entrusted Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, with cremation rites.
Memorials may be directed to Second Chance for Pets Adoptions, P.O. Box 243, Clinton, IL 61727 https://share.google/mAvtmOIfv4kOwu72a
Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com
