Forum member Gary Watkins passed away Saturday, 23 Mar 2024

[Craig Confer]

Forum member Gary Watkins passed away Saturday, 23 Mar 2024

I only knew Gary from buying my first pedal steel from him in this forum. I bought an Emmmons LeGrande SKH and a bunch of equipment from Gary back in Feb 2020. It was a package deal and it had everything one would need to start playing pedal steel (and then some!) My wife and I made a day of it and drove down from Michigan to Virginia and back to complete the deal.
The deal had a somewhat funny story at the beginning, Gary seemed very leery about me and making the deal. After I made payment the air seemed to settle and later we found out that Gary thought someone was playing a joke on him. My wife's name is Cynthia and his late wife's name was Cynthia, my name was Craig and he had a son named Craig. At a quick glance, Gary thought someone may have been pulling his leg but, we finally convinced him we were real and he could trust us. We stayed in touch a couple of times a year with text messages. Recently, I sent a couple of messages to him and his son finally replied back that Gary was not doing well.

From his obituary:
"Gary Allen Watkins, age 69 passed away Saturday March 23, 2024 at the Hospice House in Bristol, TN."
"He was an accomplished musician having played the guitar, mandolin, bass, and peddle steel guitar. He was a registered song writer with BMI in Nashville, TN and a veteran of the US Navy."

R.I.P. my friend

[Dan Kelly]

I am very sorry to hear this. Gary made good contributions to discussions on various topis on the forum. I will miss him.

[gary pierce]

Condolence's for the family

[Jerry Van Hoose]

I remember meeting Gary several years ago at a steel guitar show in Bristol and we occasionally corresponded through the Steel Guitar Forum. I understood he had some health issues however, wasn’t aware of their extent. My condolences are with Gary’s family. May he rest in peace.

[Jerry Overstreet]

Sincere condolences to Gary's family and close friends.

We did a few deals and corresponded several times. Super nice guy, and valuable asset to the forum. Sorry to hear he's gone. RIP Gary.

[Larry Dering]

I'm sorry to hear this. I communicated with Gary now and then and bought a couple items from him. My prayers for his family and friends.

[Jim Fogle]

Sorry to read about Gary. Thoughts, prayers and best wishes for his family and friends.

[John Sims]

RIP Gary, I'll always appreciate your contributions to the steel world...

[Dale McPherson]

I did some trading with Gary down thru the years. He will be missed on the forum.

[Steve Leonard]

I am so sorry to read about Gary’s passing. First time I have been on the Forum in a while. I will be praying for his family. I always enjoyed talking steel with Gary.

[George Redmon]

I knew Gary very well. He sold "Lil Andy" to me. Lil Andy is my dual 12 string MSA SuperSlide. Still have the MSA, and the memories of the conversations we had. I would from time to time, send him things I no longer needed, for him to sell online. Decent man to me, always welcomed my emails, and calls.

[Graham Bland]

My sincerest condolences to Gary‘s family!
Rest in peace my friend.
Graham