John M. Watkins, age 69, passed away on Monday, August 17, 2026 in Gainesville, Georgia. He was born to the late Martin and Sarah Kate Hogan Watkins on September 20, 1956 in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

John was a caring and accepting individual with unconditional love. He was deeply devoted to his family, especially his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren with open loving arms. He was a loving and caring husband to his wife Bonnie. He was truly a blessing to all who knew him.He is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie Bell Watkins; children, Sheila (Eddie) Thornton and Michael Thomas; sister, Patsy (Kenny) Stuart; grandchildren, Courtney (Anthony) White, Chantelle (Cody) Dyer, A. J. Thornton, and Brittany Thornton; great grandchildren, Tennessee White, Shipley White, and Brie White; niece, Cortney (Jonathon) Potts; nephew, Ken (Kristen) Stuart; great niece Kendyl Stuart; great nephews, Kaden and Lee Stuart. Many additional extended family members and friends also survive.

Funeral services are scheduled to be conducted on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. from the chapel of the Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home Chapel in Blue Ridge, Georgia, with Rev. Scott Baugh and Rev. Stanley Gibson officiating. Burial will follow the service in the Underwood Cemetery in Cherry Log, Georgia. The following gentlemen will be serving as pallbearers: Ken Stuart, A.J. Thornton, Anthony White, Jonathon Potts, Tyler Bell, and Chandler Bell. Honorary pallbearers: Tennessee White, Lee Stuart and Kaden Stuart.

The family will be receiving friends in a time of visitation on Wednesday evening, August 19, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of John M. Watkins. You may sign the guest register and send condolences to the family at www.cochranmcdaniel.com