Ronald James Watkins, Sr. was born to the late Lloyd Nolan Lewis and Janet Laverne Watkins on May 5, 1945, in East Lyme, Connecticut. He was the oldest of four children. On January 23rd, the Lord saw fit to call our dear brother from his labor to his reward.

Ronald, affectionally known as "RJ" or "Tha Bishop", accepted Christ at an early age. He accepted his call to preach the gospel and was licensed on the 4th Sunday in August 1967. In 1985, RJ was ordained at Revelation Baptist Church, Cincinnati, OH, under the leadership of Pastor Daniel T. Smith. He had a great passion for hymns and gospel music. As he grew older, he began singing and directing choirs for over 60 years in Hartford, Conn., Cleveland, OH, Dayton, OH, and Columbus, OH. While living in Columbus, he attended Triedstone Baptist Church under the leadership of Bishop Emeritus Jerome Ross. In 1994 Ronald joined Corinthian Baptist Church where he continued his ministry of singing and directing choirs. RJ sang with JMCE, voe, and Inspirational Choir. Other ministries he was a part of at Corinthian were the Nursing Home Ministry, Welcome Team, Senior Care Committee, Drama Ministry, Facility Access, and Intercessory Prayer Ministry. "Tha Bishop" was very faithful until his health began to fail.

RJ attended The Ohio State University, where he received his bachelor's degree in social work. He retired from the IRS after 34 years as a Computer Technician.

Ronald's parents, Lloyd and Janet, and brother, Charles Watkins, preceded him in death. He leaves to cherish his memories- four children, Ronald Watkins, Jr., Jovanna Watkins, Jermaine Watkins, and Donavon Garrison, all of Columbus, OH; two siblings, sister, Janina Watkins and brother, Derryck Watkins, both of Connecticut; one aunt, Sandra Cooper of Connecticut; his god-son Quintin Still of Columbus, OH; 12 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his adopted family of Cincinnati - Deborah (Daryl) Powell, Tiffani (Quinton) Kennedy, Eric (Tanya) Powell, James McCray, Pastor KZ (Connie) Smith, Elder Earl (Linda) Bray,  Dwayne (Sharon) Watkins, Carolyn (William) Martin, Michelle (Steve) Cameron, Keyson Adams, the Dawson family, the McCray family, 8 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 9:00 am until 10:00 am, on  Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Corinthian Baptist Church  - Tennessee Ave., 1920 Tennessee Avenue, Cincinnati  (45237).   The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation,  beginning at 10:00 am. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy he leaves behind.

He will be laid to rest at Walnut Hills Cemetery, 3117 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45206.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Watkins family. Please click the "Tribute Wall" icon above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the Watkins family during this difficult time.  Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.