Gary Jerome Watkins, age 73, of Novi, passed away Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Ascension Providence Hospital in Novi. Left to cherish his memory are his loving daughters: Jennifer (Trevor West) Szonye, and Loni (Brian) Mecham; his six grandchildren: Naomi Szonye, Blake Mecham, Silas Mecham, Dana Watkins, Sloan Mecham, and Eva Watkins; his brother, Bruce (Pam) Watkins; his sister, Aleta (Bob) Hardy; and many more nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Gary was born January 16, 1951, in Detroit, the son of Mr. & Mrs. Bruce and Alice (Pellyck) Watkins. Gary devoted many years of his life to a successful career as a manufacturing engineer in the automotive industry; most recently retiring from General Motors. A handy-man at heart, Gary could always be found working on a new project. Though as much as he loved building and fixing things, he took just as much joy in the research done before delving in. In his free time, Gary loved going hunting and fishing, or watching the stock market. He held fond memories of camping trips taken with his kids to Florida over the years. He was a wonderful man who will be dearly missed.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Bruce and Alice; and his son, Eric Watkins.
Gary’s family will receive visitors at the Union Lake Chapel of the Elton Black & Son Funeral Home, 1233 Union Lake Road, White Lake, Michigan 48386, on Friday, February 2, 2024, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Cremation will follow.
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