Mr. Billy J. Watkins, age 86 of Paris, Tennessee passed away on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at his residence. His funeral service will be at 1:00 P.M. on Monday, February 26, 2024, at McEvoy Funeral Home, conducted by Charles Cate and Scott Homesley. Burial will follow the service in Bethesda Cemetery. Named as pallbearers are Keith Watkins, Mark Watkins, Kerry Watkins, Kacy Watkins, John Watkins, Levi Rabey, Will Watkins, and Justin Watkins. Visitation is scheduled on Monday after 10:00 A.M. until the time of service. Billy J. Watkins was born in Paris, Tennessee to the late William James Watkins and the late Nellie Hudson Watkins. He married Janice Mabry McGrady Watkins on December 29, 2000, and she survives in Paris. He is also survived by his sons, Kerry Watkins, Mark (Carmen) Watkins, Keith (Sheliah) Watkins, all of Paris, Kacy (Lisa) Watkins of Cottage Grove, Chris (Staci) McGrady of Paris, and Keith (Angie) McGrady of Camden; fourteen grandchildren; and twenty-two great-grandchildren. Besides his parents, Billy is also preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Renae Watkins (preceded: 2021); son, Shane McGrady; grandson, Noah McGrady; and sisters, Maxine Charlton and Geraldine Evans. Mr. Watkins graduated from Springville High School where he was class Valedictorian and star basketball player during his junior and senior years. Billy was a Mason for over 50 years and a Springville Masonic Lodge #130 member. He worked and retired from Dupont serving some 38 years as an I & E Tech. Memorials for Mr. Watkins may be made to the Bethesda Cemetery Fund c/o: Keith Martin, 3138 Hwy 69 South, Paris, TN 38242. Visitation McEvoy Funeral Home, Inc. Monday, February 26, 2024 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM 507 West Washington Street Paris, TN 38242 Funeral Service McEvoy Funeral Home, Inc. Monday, February 26, 2024 1:00 PM 507 West Washington Street Paris, TN 38242