William "Bill" Taylor Watkins, age 82 of Russellville, passed away Sunday, March 16, 2025 at Stella Manor Nursing and Rehab Center. He was born March 12, 1943 in Russellville, Arkansas to the late Harold Watkins and Gussie Taylor Watkins. Bill graduated Arkansas Tech University with a Biology Degree and began a career as a Chemist at Firestone for 35 years. He was a United States Air Force Veteran and a member of the Dardanelle Church of Christ. He was an avid sports fan, loved the Razorbacks and Dardanelle Sand Lizards, loved watching all kids and grandkids sports. In his younger years, he was an avid fisherman, bowler and gardener. He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Brenda Reid, Lynda Collins and a brother-in-law, Bill Thomas.

Survivors include his wife, Bonnie Watkins; his children, Chad Matayo (Paige), Renee Trotter (Scott); one sister, Shelba Thomas; brother-in-law, Jackie Reed; grandchildren, Sydney Collins (Brayden), Kennedy Matayo, Marly Matayo, Abigail Trotter, Cameron Evans, Abbott Provost, Rhen Provost and nieces and nephews, Stanley Tapp, Eric Reid, Jeff Reid, Matthew Harvey, Tammy Tharp, Vicki Vanhorn and many great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00P.M., Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at Cornwell Funeral Chapel in Dardanelle with Mark Auten officiating. Visitation will be held Wednesday, 1:00P.M. to 2:00P.M. at the chapel prior to the service. Burial will be in Brearley Cemetery in Dardanelle.

Pallbearers will be Stanley Tapp, Dillon Remphrey, Callan Reid, Eric Reid, Jeff Reid and Cole Vanhorn.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Drew Tapp, Brayden Collins, Rusty Tharp and Clay Vanhorn.

Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home in Dardanelle. Online Guest Book and Condolences at www.cornwellfuneralhomes.com