Daniel Richard Watkins, age 91, of Inverness, passed away Friday, April 20, 2018 at Hospice of Citrus and the Nature Coast Hospice House in Lecanto. Daniel was born in Poughkeepsie, New York on August 27, 1926 to the late Charles Stephens and Hazel Louise (Robinson) Watkins. He was a former resident of Miami and returned to Florida 4 years ago from Tennessee, and settled in Citrus County.
Daniel was a machinist mate in the Navy, serving during WWII, and in the South Pacific at Okinawa. He was a bartender in the Hospitality industry and worked in the blacksmith shop at Dollywood in Tennessee. Daniel liked clowns and collected clown figurines. He enjoyed watching golf and played during his younger years. He loved the ocean and deep sea fishing. Daniel loved gardening, working the his yard and was known for his pristine landscaping! Daniel was a good cook, he enjoyed cooking for his family and was known for his Paella. He loved living in Tennessee and the Great Smokey Mountins.
Left to cherish his memory are his son, Jeffrey C. Watkins, of Elizabethton, TN; 2 brothers, Ed Watkins of Florida and Charlie Watkins of New York. He was preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Carole Ann Watkins on December 5, 2017 and 3 brothers and 2 sisters.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Daniel is planned for later in the year at the Florida National Cemetery. Cremation care is under the direction of the Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness. FL.
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