Nickey Watkins, 57, entered eternal rest on July 10, 2026, after a courageous battle. Nickey was an incredible fighter to the very end. He passed surrounded by beloved friends and his guardian angel, his sister, Michelle, by his side.

Born on August 10, 1968, in Dalton, Georgia, Nickey was the kind of person who left an impression on everyone he met. He had a big personality, an even bigger heart, and a way of making ordinary conversations memorable. To those closest to him, he ended nearly every conversation with one word that meant everything: “Sis” or “Little Buddy.”

Whether he was telling squirrel hunting stories, riding his motorcycle, or making everyone laugh, Nickey lived life with a spirit that was uniquely his own.

Nickey was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Watkins. He is survived by his father, Lee Watkins; his sister, Michelle Stover, and her husband, Denny Stover; his sister, Lisa Watkins, and her husband, Scott Bellamy; Sister Tina Bearden Gibbs and her husband Jeff Gibbs; and brother, Donald Bedwell; along with extended family members and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 18, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Bernhardt Funeral Home.

Funeral Services to honor the life of Mr. Watkins will be held immediately following the visitation at 4:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Bernhardt Funeral Home with Rev. Jerry Banks officiating. In keeping with the family’s wishes, the graveside service will be limited to immediate family.

Though the disease took far too much from him, it never took away the love he had for his family or the memories he left with those who loved him. We will miss playing cornhole, hearing him say “Sis,” or “Little Buddy” and seeing him dance to any and every song. He was deeply loved, and he will be forever missed.

The family is accepting flowers at this time, but kindly asks that no food be brought to the funeral home.

Bernhardt Funeral Home of Ellijay, GA is entrusted with these arrangements.