William "Bill" E. Watkins, Jr.

BLOOMFIELD, VT - William (Bill) E. Watkins, Jr., 76, died peacefully Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

William “Bill” Watkins, Jr., a devoted family man, veteran, diesel mechanic,paramedic, and firefighter, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2025,surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was born on December 7, 1948, in Washington, DC, to William and Katherine “Kitty” (Wedge) Watkins. Shortly after his birth, the family relocated to Berlin, New Hampshire, where he attended The Brown School with his sister Barbara. Later in his childhood, the family moved to Falls Church, Virginia, where Bill graduated from George Mason High School in1967. He then enlisted in the United States Army, serving his country with honor until his discharge in 1972. Upon returning to civilian life, he channeled his energy into his diesel mechanic career.

On August 9,1980, he married the love of his life, Paulette Kanode Watkins. In Chantilly, VA they raised a son and three daughters. The family relocated to Cambridge, MD in 1985 where they lived for 26 years. During his time in Maryland, Bill realized his true passion, being a firefighter and paramedic.He was an active member of Rescue Fire Company and served as Fire Chief and Chief of the City of Cambridge EMS. Bill and Paulette finally decided to retire to Bloomfield, VT in 2011. He chose to come out of retirement and began working for the 45th Parallel EMS and later serving as chief until his final retirement in 2018. He enjoyed his retirement most when he was working on his tractor or in his workshop surrounded by the family pets and the warmth of the wood stove.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Paulette and his parents, William and Katherine “Kitty” Watkins.

Surviving family members include his sister Barbara Watkins Blood, his children Matt Watkins (Leah), Katie Sawicki (Frankie), Sarah Tolley (JT),and Becky Hailey (Raj). He is also a “Poppy” to 13 grandchildren and 4great grandchildren.

Throughout all walks of his life, Bill was guided by his faith in Jesus and his unwavering devotion to his family. Although he had an amazing and successful career, his greatest accomplishment was the legacy he leaves behind with his family, friends and all those who knew him. He used his recent health challenges as an opportunity to share about Jesus, even in his last days. All those who are close to him will always cherish his words of wisdom “remember who you are.

A Firemen’s Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025at the Public Safety Building, 8 Washington St. Cambridge, MD. Visitation12:00-1:00pm and the service begins at 1:00pm with a reception to follow. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at Grace Community Church, 300 Gale St. Canaan, VT. The service begins at 11:00am with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Grace Community Church, PO Box 217 Canaan, VT 05903 or to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.