Gene Watkins, age 75 of Blue Ridge, GA passed away Friday, October 28, 2016 at the Pruitt Health Care. He was born on December 10, 1940 in Cherry Log, GA to the late Gordon and Bertha Payne Watkins. Gene had worked as a construction carpenter. He was a member of Cherry Log Baptist Church. Gene served in the United States Air Force. Survivors are his wife of fifty-one years, Margaret Patterson Watkins of the home; son and daughter-in-law, Stacy and Lynn Watkins of Cairo, GA; and four grandchildren, Elizabeth and Emma Grace Watkins and Anna and Zach Ingram. Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. from the Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge Chapel with Rev. Joey Patterson officiating. Music will be by Rev. Joey Patterson, Lindy Patterson and Martie Johns. Interment will follow in the The Old Cherry Log Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Marty Glen Turner, Roy Watkins, Austin Watkins, Zack Ingram, Kevin Johnson and Mike Shaw. Honorary Pallbearers will be Lauren Sutton and Jackie Galindo. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday evening, November 1, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Cherry Log Cemetery Fund, C/O Kenneth Chastain, Box 34 Chastain Road, Cherry Log, GA 30522. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge is in charge of the arrangements. . SERVICES Visitation Tuesday, November 1, 2016 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Akins Funeral Home - Blue Ridge 7871 Blue Ridge Drive Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513 Funeral Service Wednesday, November 2, 2016 11:00 AM Akins Funeral Home - Blue Ridge 7871 Blue Ridge Drive Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513