Obituary: Raymond Willard Watkins, 85, of Branch

April 7, 2025

Raymond Watkins

Raymond Willard Watkins, 85, of Branch passed away at home on Friday, April 4, 2025. Raymond was born on January 7, 1940 in Huntington, West Virginia, the son of Jesse and Alberta (Payton) Watkins and served his country with the United States Navy. On September 13, 1958 he married Joan Spruell in New York and they have celebrated 66 blessed years together.

Raymond and Joan lived in the Benton Harbor area raising their family where Raymond operated various gas service stations before moving to Mason County and eventually operating Hill Haven Adult Foster Care home with his wife in Branch for 27 years. He loved living countryside where he could enjoy his love of hunting and fishing. His favorite was time spent in the Upper Peninsula, often at bear camp, where great memories were made with his family and friends.

Raymond will be greatly missed by his wife Joan; his children Randy Watkins (Kathie Perdue), Scott (Jessica) Watkins, and Jesse (Amy) Watkins all of Branch; his grandchildren Wyatt Watkins, Amanda Watkins, Lexie (Beth) Watkins, James (Erica) Watkins, Alysha (Aaron) Watkins-Parmalee, Jeremy and Kyle Gagliardo; numerous great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and his sister Eloise (Bill) Fisk of Paw Paw.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter Donna Watkins in 2021.

A ceremony to celebrate Raymond’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 26 at Bachelor Evangelical Church in Fountain (Sheridan Township) with Rev. Rick Harrell officiating. A luncheon will follow the services.

In lieu of flowers, contributions towards funeral expenses may be made directly to Raymond’s family.

Please visit Raymond’s memory page at www.wymanfuneralservice.com to share a tribute or memory of Raymond with his family.