Merle Bert Watkins

Mr. Merle Bert Watkins, age 80, of Lake City, Florida died Monday, Sept. 14, in the Shands at Lake Shore Hospital, Lake City, Florida following a sudden illness.  He had resided in Maine  and Cherokee, North Carolina before moving to Lake City, Fla. in 1972.  He worked as a radiologist with the Cherokee Indian Reservation, Cherokee, North Carolina and with the V.A. Medical Center, Lake City, Fla. for many years until his retirement.  He was a Navy veteran of the Korean Conflict and a member of the masonic lodge in Savona, N.Y.  He is survived by his friend and companion,  Earlene Frampton of Lake City, Florida:  Five children,  William Watkins French,  Laura Leigh  Watkins, Mark Kent Watkins, Merle Sue Werner and Kimberly Diane Smith:  One brother, Nathan J. Watkins of Phoenix, Az.:  Two sisters, Lila Watkins and Rosetta Watkins:  Numerous  grandchildren: The three surviving  children of Earlene  Frampton,  William Roger Frampton, Donna  Marie Barber and Thomas Roy Frampton:  Graveside funeral services will be conducted at 11 A.M. Monday, Sept.  21,  in the Swift Creek Cemetery, Union County, Florida with Rev. Al  Donovan, Pastor of Siloam United Methodist Church, officiating.  Visitation and gathering with the family will be from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. Monday  at the funeral  home.  GUERRY FUNERAL HOME, 2659 S.W. Main Blvd., Lake City, Fla. is in charge of arrangements.