Gerald (Jerry/Red) Watkins

Gerald Lee Watkins, 77, also known as Jerry or Red, passed away at his daughter's home in Elmira on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. He was a long time resident of Vanderbilt.

He spent his first 13 years in Bay City, then moving to Vanderbilt with his family in 1962. Jerry served in Vietnam in the U.S. Army, later returning home to Vanderbilt.

Jerry was employed as a truck driver, for many of those years as a driver for the U.S. Postal Service. He was also an EMT at Otsego County Ambulance in the early 80's and a longtime firefighter with Corwith Township Fire Department, serving several years as Fire Chief.

In his spare time, he was and avid hunter and fisherman who also enjoyed camping. Those who knew him well also knew of his love of casinos where he was known to be successful at the slot machines.

He is survived by his daughter, Melonie Floyd; and son, Danny Watkins; grandchildren, Emmy-Ann and Alex Floyd; great grandchildren, Maddison Tucker and Peyton Krombie; brothers, Glen Watkins, and Tom Poirier; sisters, Becky (Pat) Cobb; Brothers-in-law Ed (Mary) Goff ,David, Ken, and Charles Goff and many nieces and nephews.

Red was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Eva (Goff); siblings, James Poirer, Richard Watkins, and Linda Poirer; and a great granddaughter, Harper Floyd; brother-in-law, Mike Goff; and sister-in-law, Linda Watkins.

A memorial service to celebrate Jerry's life will be held at 1:00 PM Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at Vanderbilt Community Church where visitation with the family will begin at 12:00 noon. A light luncheon will follow the service.

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