Red Watkins

James Ralph “Red” Watkins, 88 of Meadow Creek Drive in Lexington passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at Hinkle Hospice House in Lexington.

Graveside service with military honors will be held 11:00 am Saturday, April 20, 2019, at Forest Hill Memorial Park Cemetery with Rev. William C. O’Neal officiating the service. Visitation with family and friends will be held Friday night from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Davidson Funeral Home Lexington, and other times at the home, 154 Meadow Creek Drive in Lexington.

Mr. Watkins was born in Davidson County on March 1, 1931 to Walter Columbus Watkins and Augusta Burkhart Watkins. He was retired maintance supervisor with the City of Lexington and was a member of Beck’s Lutheran Church. Red retired having served in the National Guard for over 29 years and was a member of American Legion Post 8, as well as the Central Carolina Hunt Club.  Two interesting facts about Red are that he was one of the only local individuals to bronze baby shoes, and he also loved to eat at Rick’s in Denton.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Ardinus “Nick” Watkins and his sisters, Rose Ellen Watkins and Pansy Fritts.

Surviving are his wife, Violet Watson Watkins of Lexington, son, Jamey Watkins and daughter, Tammy Watkins both of Lexington; one granddaughter, Heather Greenwood of Thomasville and one great-granddaughter, Cheyenne Hollingsworth.  Also surviving are his sister, Charlean Morris and husband Joe, all of Lexington.