Mr. Ernest William Watkins, age 81 of Cherry Log, Georgia, went home to be with the lord on Tuesday, March 24th, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Watkins was born on March 6th, 1945, in Gilmer County. Ernest was a strong Christian and a member of the Cherry Log Baptist Church. He was an avid gardener and hunter. Ernest was a freemason belonging to Oak Bowery #81. He also was a member of the Cherry Log Community serving as vice president for 14 years of the Cherry Log Community Club. He was president of the Cherry Log Volunteer Fire Department. He also retired from Goldkist after being in the poultry business for 45 years.

Survivors include: Wife of 62 years Barbara Watkins of Cherry Log, GA, son: Michael(Renee) Watkins of Blue Ridge GA, Grandson: Matthew (Macy) Watkins of Cherry Log GA, Granddaughter: Faith(Blake) Watkins of Blue Ridge GA, Grandson: William (Jessica) Watkins of Blue Ridge GA, great-grandsons: Jameson Watkins and Weston Watkins of Cherry Log GA, Special fur baby: Athena, Sister: Betty Vautrot, Brother: Larry (Joan) Watkins. Special Friends include Scott Wolff, Carol Elliott, Norman Holloway, Jerry Norton, and Tom Chastain.

He is preceded in death by his son: Scott Watkins, Dad: Lawrence Watkins, Mom: Louise Watkins, Sisters: Anita Watkins and Barbara Keener, and Brother: Frank Watkins.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday March 28th, 2026 at 4:00 pm from the Chapel of Bernhardt Funeral Home with Rev. Kenny Hagin, Rev. Roger McClure, and Brother Blake Watkins officiating. Interment will follow in the Underwood Cemetery in Cherry Log GA.

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 27th from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm and again on Saturday March 28th from 9:00 am until the service hour of 4:00 pm at the funeral home.

Food and Flowers will both be accepted in memory of Mr. Watkins.

Bernhardt Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.