Billy Lee Watkins, 81, of Boonville, passed away on June 29, 2026, at the University Hospital and Clinics after a week-long illness caused by a “perfect storm” of flu, bacterial pneumonia, bacteria in the bloodstream, and being autoimmune due to arthritis medication. 

Bill was born in Hanford, California, to Thurman and Bess (Hickman) Watkins. The family migrated to the west coast for his father’s work in orchards and other migrant positions while his mother, who had a teaching certificate, would work as weigh master. Although they moved around a lot while growing up, Bill considered Snowball, Arkansas, his childhood home. After his mother’s death when he was 17, he moved to Missouri to live with relatives Johnny and Adene Barnes. He met his wife Georgia, who he called Tootsie, while they were on a double date with other people. They married on June 11, 1965.  Even though they did not have more children due to Tootsie being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, the many friends that their daughter brought home considered them their “second” dad and mom.

Bill was a jack of all trades and could fix anything, but there might be a “trick” to using it when he was done. He worked as a mechanic, apprentice electrician, construction laborer, and heavy equipment operator. He was labeled by some as “the best backhoe operator in Boone County.” He worked in construction until he retired at 74 then last year, he started helping out a friend by running a trackhoe. He said it was like he never quit operating machinery.  

He loved to visit and never knew a stranger. If there was a foot of snow, you could be assured that he would be out and about checking on things and visiting as he could. He was always willing to help everyone, although there might be a little grumbling and you could guarantee there would be some sort of story involved or wisdom shared. Even as he got older and his arthritis would make it hard to turn the wrenches and climb around, he would sit in a chair and tell people what to do so they could be his hands to fix things.

He made sure his little girl knew how to change a tire, recharge her car’s air conditioner, build things, take her own car anywhere she went so she could leave when she wanted to, and basically be independent and strong.

After his wife died, he learned to do the things she always took care of while he worked full-time and often out of town. He learned cooking, cleaning, laundry, and grocery shopping. He loved to tell about the bargains he got when shopping.

Bill is survived by his daughter and his “least favorite (and only) son-in-law”, Teresa and John Gately of Round Rock, TX, the light-of-his-life grandson Jacob Gately, big sister Charlene Wilkinson, beloved nieces Regina (Aaron) Huggins, and Hannah (Darren) Fitz Gerald, “second grandson” Blake Huggins, great-nephews Matthew Kimble (Emily) Naumann and Pender Fitz Gerald, cousins and dear friends Larry (Lenora) Barnes and Gary (Teresa) Barnes, as well as other extended family and friends who loved him and will miss him.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.

Services honoring Bill’s life will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Markland-Yager Funeral Home in New Franklin with Rev. Tim Fairley officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. 

Burial will follow the service at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Boonville as he is laid beside his beloved wife.

Following the burial, please feel free to join the family at the Cooper County Fairgrounds for food, laughter, and sharing of memories as they remember Bill’s life.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Neighbors Helping Neighbors in Boonville.

Markland-Yager Funeral Home is honored to serve Billy’s family.