William B. Watkins

William “Bill” B. Watkins, 65, of Niles, MI, passed away in his home surrounded by family on October 11, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents, William G. and Effie T. (Turfler) Watkins, and his spiritual mother, Francis St. Clair. Bill is survived by his fiancée, Schelle Schade and her son, Shannon Daniels, as well as Bill’s beloved fur baby, Zoe. Also surviving is his cousin, Charlie Wolfinger, and numerous other cousins.

Bill was a lifelong martial artist, both as a student and as a teacher, achieving his black belt in Kodokan judo, a third-degree belt in Kyokushin karate, fifth-degree belt in Aiki Jutsu, ranked first-degree in Manriki Gusari. He was invited by Masaki Ru of Japan to train in Chicago and was presented with a first-degree black belt. Bill taught many policemen and Notre Dame football players as well as competing and teaching across the United States and Asia. He mastered Ki energy with Bud Magee.

Bill soared to new heights in his Buckeye-Powered Parachute, combing the earth for its beauty and inspiration. He traveled to distant lands and taught his crafts to kings and princes.

He merged his love of nightlife with business when he opened the first non-smoking nightclub called Basix. Basix caught the attention of CNN and Life Magazine, being such a radical idea. Here, he was in his element, bringing class and décor to the South Bend nightclub scene, where patrons could gather in a smoke-free environment and enjoy great music as well as the “Velcro Wall.”

Bill lived life on a never-ending quest of self-discovery. Searching for the deepest answers of life and thirsting for that universal connection with his higher power, while reveling in his human experience. He had an intense relationship with God and knew everything was “Divine by Design.”

There will be no services. Palmer Funeral Home—Hickey Chapel and Southlawn Cremation Services are assisting the family with arrangements. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Bill may be donated to Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014.

Online condolences may be left for Bill’s family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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