William Wallace Watkins, 88, of Gardner, formerly of Leominster and Fitchburg,

died  Thursday at Wachusett Manor Nursing Home in Gardner after a lenthly

illness with his family at his bedside.

William was born in Leominster, son of Wallace Gabriel. and Millicent Charlotte

(Seeney) Watkins. He grew up in Leominster and graduated from Leominster High 

School in the machinist trade.He enlisted in the U.S. Navy  and served as a

Machinist Mate 1st class in the Pacific Theatre.  After his discharge from the Navy,

he was employed  as a machinist at James River  #8 mill.

William was a member of the former Good Shepard Episcopal Church in West

Fitchburg and was a life member of Wilder Masonic Lodge in Leominster

.William leaves his daughters, Linda A. Marlborough of Fitchburg and Amy M.

Smart and her husband Paul of Winchendon.. his daughter-in-law Barbara Watkins

of Phillipston.  He also leaves his grandchildren April Marlborough and her wife

Jennifer of Westminster, Bryan Marlborough and wife Kar of Katy, Texas,

Catherine  Wentworth and husband Jonathan of Wells, Me., Brendan Marlborough

of Baton Rouge, LA.. Also Christopher Watkins and wife Sarah of Gardner and

Diana Watkins and fiance Brandon Shaffer  of Fitchburg.  Heather Leger of

Fitchburg and Nicholas  Kucher of Winchendon. Three great grandchildren, and

nieces and nephews.

William was predeceased by his wife of 57 years Lorraine Olive (Shepard) Watkins

in 2012, His sons Francis G. in 1987 and Christopher J. in 2015. and his brother

Reginald also died before him.  

William will be missed by  family and friends and all who loved him. In honor of

William, you are invited to give a flower to a friend, fill out an organ donor card, or

do a good deed. The family would like to thank Beacon Hospice, Christ Church and

especially Wachusett Manor for their love and care.

Graveside services with military honors will be held at a later date. Bosk Funeral 

Home 85 Blossom St. Fitchburg is assisting the family. boskfuneralhome.com

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