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William Wheeler Watkins, 82, a longtime resident of Creedmoor, passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at his home.

A native of Granville County, he was the widower of the late Mary Elizabeth Watkins and the son of the late John Kenneth Watkins and Henrietta Wheeler. He was a Korean War veteran of the US Army and a retired OMS shop chief in Durham, NC.

Graveside services will be conducted Thursday, May 7, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Carolina Memorial Gardens in Creedmoor by the Rev. Jim Shelley. Visitation will follow the graveside service.

Surviving are a daughter, Wanda W. Hollis and husband Keith of Hillsborough, two sons, W. Mike Watkins and wife Trish of Stem, and Curtis Watkins of the home, a sister, Juanita and brother Cecil Watkins, six grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

Tributes

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Kent Cash
May 7, 2015
May 7, 2015
I just found out today (May 7th), by accident about William's passing. I'm so glad that I found him last month and had a good visit. He had a big heart and taught me maintenance management. The knowledge he instilled in me helped the City of Durham's fleet department receive national recognition by Government Fleet Magazine. We were considered as one of the top 100 best fleets in North America. He also taught me to share credit. I would love to take credit for being recognized by my peers nationally; but he deserves much of that credit. He will always hold a special place in my heart.

I'm so sorry I can't attend today due to a prior commitment. I hope that God sends His Comforter to his family.

God speed old friend.
Bonnie Roth
May 7, 2015
May 7, 2015
I always loved my uncle William. He was just like all the other Watkins brothers...sweet and kind. For example, he always hid at weddings so no one would see him cry. Heaven has gained a real angel. Love and hugs to the family.
Bonnie Watkins Roth
Lynne Hussey
May 6, 2015
May 6, 2015
Mike, Wanda, and Curtis...so sorry to hear of Uncle Williams passing. I'm sure heavens rejoicing. Love you all and keeping you in prayer.
Your cousin, Lynne
Robert Albritton
May 6, 2015
May 6, 2015
Wanda, Mike, Curtis & Children...deepest sympathy to you and yours during this time of sorrow...I will always have fond memories of your dad, my UNC William talking about car racing and Duke Basketball. He will be missed by all. Love to you all!! - Hy & Sheila Albritton
Barbara Sherrill
May 6, 2015
May 6, 2015
Uncle William was a good and humble man. I'm so sorry for your great loss. I pray that God will comfort all of you in this sad time.
Love, Barbara

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Recent Tributes
Kent Cash
May 7, 2015
May 7, 2015
I just found out today (May 7th), by accident about William's passing. I'm so glad that I found him last month and had a good visit. He had a big heart and taught me maintenance management. The knowledge he instilled in me helped the City of Durham's fleet department receive national recognition by Government Fleet Magazine. We were considered as one of the top 100 best fleets in North America. He also taught me to share credit. I would love to take credit for being recognized by my peers nationally; but he deserves much of that credit. He will always hold a special place in my heart.

I'm so sorry I can't attend today due to a prior commitment. I hope that God sends His Comforter to his family.

God speed old friend.
Bonnie Roth
May 7, 2015
May 7, 2015
I always loved my uncle William. He was just like all the other Watkins brothers...sweet and kind. For example, he always hid at weddings so no one would see him cry. Heaven has gained a real angel. Love and hugs to the family.
Bonnie Watkins Roth
Lynne Hussey
May 6, 2015
May 6, 2015
Mike, Wanda, and Curtis...so sorry to hear of Uncle Williams passing. I'm sure heavens rejoicing. Love you all and keeping you in prayer.
Your cousin, Lynne
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Duke Basketball and NASCAR

May 6, 2015
by Robert Albritton

Uncle William could keep my attention for hours when he talked about Car Racing (loved the # 3 Car) and Duke Basketball...his Country Southern Slang was the best. I remember him stopping by Grandmother Watkins house in Stem after he had been at a Duke home game years ago...his description of the Duke students and game highlights were always the best. He will be dearly missed...just a fine southern Butner (Butna) Boy. The last time I saw him healthy was at Harkers Island when he and Aunt Mary Elizabeth were living down there in the trailor...a bunch of us had a fish fry outside their trailor and it was so much fun, my two boys still talk about how much fun they had with the Watkins crew at Harkers Island. Love and Prayers to the entire Family!!  - Hy Albritton

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