Willie Saunders Watkins III
Willie Saunders Watkins III
Obituary
Guest Book
Willie Watkins Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
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Teddy Lee
January 20, 2011
To the Watkins Family. Just learning about your treasured loss. Please accept our prayers as we empathize with you at this time. Teddy Lee
Dennis Brailey
March 1, 2009
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Selma, Audrey, Jackieboy and Brenda Wilson
February 22, 2009
Dianne and Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find joy in the precious memories of your loved one, and may you rest in the assurance that God is with you always. We love you.
Lillian Washington
February 15, 2009
God Bless you, and your family
Lillian Wasington & Family
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Ms Madonna
February 12, 2009
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Christine Holman
February 11, 2009
To Diane and family I was very saddened to hear about Billys passing. My sympathy and prayers go out to you. He was very kind and thoughtful to our family when my dad and my son passed. Cherish the memories you had with him and they will comfort throughout your lifetime. May God be with you and your family.
Fredie Cooper and Christine Holman
terri st john
February 9, 2009
To Watkins Family
I was deeply sadden to hear of the passing of your love one. I recently attended a funeral and was reminded to refrain from the more common phrase "loss of a love one". To loose something indicates that one does not know where it is. Such is not the case with Mr. Watkins because anyone who ever encountered him knows that he is ever present with the Lord. I have mingled with your family throughout the years and have always been impressed at how caring, compassionate and humble you all are but especially Mr. Watkins. I remember oh to well how attentive Mr. Watkins was in assisting my family over the years when my own love ones have passed. Less than two years ago, I walked in your shoes during the passing of my father, in which you again served our family. And though we know the day must come, it's something that our hearts are never fully prepared for. May God be with you, keep you and continue to bless you during this transition.. Know that you are loved and respected throughout the community which Mr. Watkins served.
Mr & Mrs David Cameron, Jr
February 6, 2009
You were always a good and trusted friend. R.I.P.
Catherine Woodruff
February 3, 2009
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to you and the Watkins family. We have always admired Mr. Watkins. He possessed such a compassionate, caring, warm and loving spirit. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you and your family.
Lovingly,
Bille and Catherine Woodruff
Beverly Hills, California
Ben Pender
February 3, 2009
I have always admired Mr. Watkins. He possessed such posed and such a powerful spiritual presence. I remember him when he presided over the passing of my grandma Alease Roland in the mid 1990s. Mr. Watkins will be missed in this world and surely embraced in the next.
God Bless.
Ben Pender
Grandson of the Late Willard H. Roland, Sr. and the Late Alease Harris Roland
The St. John Family
February 3, 2009
To the Watkins Family;
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy. Mr. Watkins was a very compassionate and comforting man. In the passing of our loved ones; Janie B., Charlie A., Joyce A. and Arthur C. St. John, his dedication was paramount. The St. John Family was always served with dignity and much respect. Our prayers are with you.
Wilma (Ann McLean) Fleming
February 2, 2009
To the Watkins family: In May 1975, my family to 2610 North Avenue. Mr. Billie and his parents welcomed us to the neighborhood and a life-long relationship, including business, began. My family wishes to express our deep and heartfelt condolences in the loss of such an humble and personable man. Whenever we saw him, he wore a smile and had something special to say to make you laugh and lift your spirits.
Lovingly,
Wilma M. Fleming, Audrey M. Harper Henry Cooper, Gloria M. Gunn and the rest of McLean Family.
Nures @ Healthsouth Rehab
February 2, 2009
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Smith & Vauters
February 1, 2009
"All life is sacred. Since life is an affirmation of the Creator, I shall live on, even when I am gone. In trailing clouds of glory shall I return to my Creator only to find that I have never left. I shall walk among the lilies of the field and leave my trail in stardust in the sky."
Thinking of your family, Lovingly, The Family of Eugene C. Smith
SYLVIA WILSON AND RAYMOND R RITCHIE
January 31, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Linda Worsley
January 31, 2009
To the Watkins family: I am just seeing that Mr. Watkins has passed and though I am saddened, I am happy that God put him in my path even though it was for the same reason. Mr. Watkins helped me during the loss of both my parents Mrs. Olive and Mr. Curtis Worsley. Mrs. Watkins, my father thought the world of you and enjoyed taking care of your lawn. I am glad that I was able to meet you at a choir rehearsal at St. Paul's. I pray that you and your family will stay wrapped in the arms of Jesus and that in time the wonderful memories of such a wonderful person will bring smiles to your faces and warm your hearts.
January 31, 2009
Astoria Beneficial Club,Inc
Richmond,VA
Club 533,Inc
January 31, 2009
With Deepest Condolences
Wilbert Brooks
President
Club 533,Inc
Lowell Brailey
January 31, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
MRS. IRIS A. DANCE-MURRAY
January 30, 2009
To The Watkins Family:
May the Comfort of others in this time of sorrow support you as you reflect on what a difference Willie's life made to so many. May you find peace in Treasured memories and be strengthened by your faith. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER WITH DEEP APPRECIATION THE SERVICE RENDERED TO ME BY WILLIE AND HIS MOTHER, WHEN MY MOTHER, MRS. ETHEL CHANEY AND MY HUSBAND, RODGER DANCE PASSED.
WITH MY PRAYERS AND SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY!!!
IRIS A. DANCE -MURRAY
Rev. H. D. Harris
January 30, 2009
To the Watkins Family, my sincerest condolences in the passing of our beloved Billy Watkins. He was such a warm and caring person. His smile was a genuine trademark of his true personality. Brother Watkins will be sorley missed.
Reginald and Fern Cheek, Sr.
January 30, 2009
To Diane and Family,
We are deeply saddened to learn of your husband's and father's death. Willie will be missed but not forgotten! In your time of sorrow, we pray that you find peace in God's presence as He gives you strength for today and hope for tomorrow.
Rosena Tiller
January 30, 2009
Dianne & Family,
We were saddened to hear about your loss. Billy will be greatly missed, his smile was contagious and his kind-heartedness will never be forgotten. May God continue to bless you and yours in this time of sorrow. God will take care of you.
Rosena Tiller & Family (EBC)
Shelia Ware-Rollins
January 30, 2009
Dianne and family: I wish I knew words that were adequate enough to express how much I care for you and your family, especially during this very sad time. I know that you already know that God is able and He will comfort you in a way that only He can do. Please know that you and your family are in the thoughts and prayers of so many who love you. We may not see you often anymore but our love for you will never cease. Your husband will be gravely missed throughout Richmond. Your husband's smile and the way the two of you smiled at each other will be remembered. With Sympathy, Shelia Ware Rollins, the Ware Family and the St. Stephen's Baptist Church Family, Central Point, Va.
Colleen Boyd
January 30, 2009
Dear Watkins family,
My family sends its sincerest sympathy to you. May time heal the pain you feel now and beautiful memories of Willie bring you comfort in the weeks and months to come.
Ava Robinson Armstrong
January 30, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Samuel S. Gaines
January 30, 2009
To: Dianne and the Family
When news of Billy's passing reached our ears, it sent shock waves through us. Our memories went back to the good times that we shared as he worked for the NFDMA as my educational chairman and how our families were brought together. I considerd him a TRUE friend even though we were friends in our beloved Omega. My knowledge to the world of computers -I owe to him. I will always be greatful for the friendship that lasted after our involvement with NFDMA. My son Arnold will always rememebr the words of wisdom that he gave him as a freshman on Howard's campus. I remember when we couldn't call him at the funeral home until after his father had left for we would be told that he couldn't come to the phone for he was busy. I can not physicially be with you and the family for the service but just know that you are in our prayers.
Past President Samuel S. Gaines and Theressa -Fort Pierce, Florida
Roger Powell
January 30, 2009
Diane, please accept our condolences. Billy was a great friend and we treasured being your friends and neighbors.
Roger, Frances, Mercer & Ryan
Miriam E. Pipes/Purple Directory
January 30, 2009
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Mildred Royal Lackey- Wilkerson
January 30, 2009
To the Watkins Family my deepest condolences goes out to you, your family has helped me with grace and kindness from Philadelphia with my mother in 1971 my father here in 1982 and the receiving of my brother to be laid to rest in the Muslim tradition in 2007. May God bless and keep you all thru this time of sorrow.
JOSEPH B. CUTCHINS, JR. - PAST PRESIDENT NFDMA
January 30, 2009
MY PRAYERS ARE LIFTED ON BEHALF OF THE WATKINS FAMILY. THE WORLD HAS BEEN, IS, AND ALWAYS WILL BE A BETTER PLACE BECAUSE HE LEFT HIS FOOTPRINTS IN THE SANDS OF LIFE.
Mrs. Shane Morton-Anderson
January 30, 2009
Dear Watkins' Family, I never missed any opportunity to hug and love Mr. Watkins. I enjoyed seeing him come thru NationsBank's drive thru to make deposits always flashing his million dollar smile. I always told him I hated always meeting him while he was at work, but I know that he had a gift for those in mourning. I'm sad to know that I won't see him anymore on this side of the Jordan, but I rejoice in knowing that he is with God, helping to finalize the great gettin' up morning when we all will be transformed! I leave you with this; In all I think and say and do, I long, O God, to honor You; But may my highest motive be to love the Christ who died for me. - D. De Haan
Thomas BC Rogers
January 30, 2009
On behalf of the Project Community, Inc. Family, we leave our deepest sympathy with the Watkins Family. Mr. Watkins and Sons supported of our organization and its summer program every year and won “Top Sponsor” because of their unconditional love and heart for the North Richmond Community. Mr. Watkins and I even talked about a potential partnership, where the kids would come and learn more about the mortuary business. We look forward to continuing to work with the Watkins Family in memory of their monarch who was a man about his community. May God continue to bless you and provide a peace and comfort during time of sorrow.
Virginia L. Hill
January 30, 2009
You have my deepest sympathy. He will be missed at NFD&MA, he was an outstanding member.
Melody Forrester
January 30, 2009
To the Watkins family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss. I was fortunate to have Billy, and the Watkins family, help me through some of the hardest times in my life as the funeral services of my closest family members were handled with grace and dignity by Watkins Funeral Home. Billy will be greatly missed.
Dick Abrams
January 30, 2009
Willie was a great person and will be missed. My prayers are with his family
Daria Randolph
January 29, 2009
I wish to express my deepest sympathy for Mr.Willie Watkins. I met Mr.Watkins during his tenure on Board of Directors with the Richmond Community Senior Center and Adult Day Care Center. He had an easy smile and a kind word for all the staff. It was a pleasure to know him. Daria I.E.Randolph
Yvonne JASPER- Brown & Family(Hugh's Cousins)
January 29, 2009
To the Watkins Family,
Willie's friendship with the Jasper family spans five generations.Beginning with summers in New Jersey to Richmond and playing at my Great Uncle George Jasper's farm in Powhatan Co. He spoke of this many times.Billy was always the first person I'd look for whenever I would accept the invitation to sing with Ebenezer's Choir that he loved so dearly.We would smile knowing of his connection with my family.He was a people's person.I have watched him interact with persons from all walks of life with that winning smile. On Saturday we will sing from our hearts knowing he will join us from above in God's Heavenly Choir.My cousins who loved him so dearly will be with you Diane and your beautiful family.Remember God is our Comforter and fond memories of your loved one will last all of us a lifetime.
Ellis Bates, Jr
January 29, 2009
With deepest sympathy to the family of Willie S. Watkins, III .
My prayers are with you during this time.
Salena Ware
January 29, 2009
My deepest condolences to the family. I will certainly miss Willie's
sense of humor and the big smile that was always upon his face. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Carol Jefferson-Muse
January 29, 2009
It has truly been a joy & pleasure to have known Mr. Willie Watkins since the establishment on Duval Street He has always been a very caring & giving person. Our family will truly miss him. Our heartfelt prayers go out to the family.
Mary E. Jefferson & Family
Marva Colston
January 29, 2009
Precious are the memories of my dear friend, Billy, whose friendship of 61 years, I will cherish. I know that he had many admiring friends and I am proud to have been one of them. My family and I extend our most profound sympathy to the Watkins familly.
Marva Jones Colston
Huber Heights, Ohio
Clark Martin
January 29, 2009
To The Family of Willie S. Watkins III : With Our Deepest Sympathy, May the grace of God continually be with you. Mr. Watkins III was a blessing to our family in the passing of our mother and father and was always there when we needed him. God Bless the entire family.
The Banks' Family
January 29, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jewel Mitchell
January 29, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Valerie Mitchell
January 29, 2009
Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. I grew up knowing the Watkins family and Mr. Watkins was always such a kind man. God Bless you all now and always.
Rosalind Donan-Harris
January 29, 2009
Dear Diane and Family,
We sincerely send you our deepest sympathy in the loss of Will who was such a wonderful friend filled with so much joy and compassion to many people in Richmond. We all will miss him.
Sincerely,
Roz and Welford
Wanda Stallings
January 29, 2009
I am so sorry for your lost, Willie was my friend for years and a loving one at that. He will be truly missed by me and my family. He was always there when I needed him. I will miss his smile and his jokes. I will miss sitting in his office just talking about nothing but it was something to us. May God bless you in this time.
James Gay
January 29, 2009
your loss is felt by the community at large. your husband was a gently giant in the funeral service profession,kind Godly person to behold. My wife and I pray your strenght in the Lord in days to come, God bless the entire family.
Charmaine Cooper-Jamison
January 29, 2009
Diane, Valorie and family, I am saddened by the news of your loss, please know how very sorry I am. I have fond memories of times on Fendall Ave when we were growing up. We were always bothering him about something - but he took it all in stride. May happy memories carry you through this sorrowful time. Please know that i am praying for you! You're in my thoughts every step of the way.
William Quiller
January 29, 2009
To the Watkins family:
We send our deepest sympathy and pray that God will keep you in his care. Willie was one of the best!
Mr. and Mrs William C. Quiller Jr.
Matthews, NC
Latrice Stroble
January 29, 2009
To the Watkins Family:
Sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Watkins. We are keeping you in our prayers. Mr. Watkins was a blessing to our family in the passing of our relatives and was always there when we needed them.
Latrice, Delphine & Clinton Stroble
William Polk
January 29, 2009
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Alvin S. Morris
January 29, 2009
To the Watkins Family:
I am very sad about Willie's passing. He will be fondly remembered by many in Richmond and especially the Northside community. My prayers are with all of you at this time and the days to come.
King L. and Sandra Clark- Johnson
January 29, 2009
"I refuse to be discouraged, To be sad, or to cry; I refuse to be downhearted, and here's the reason why . . . I have a God who's mighty, Who's sovereign and supreme; I have a God who loves me. He is all wise and powerful, Jesus is His name; Though everything is changeable, My God remains the same." Ride out your storm family knowing that Jesus is with you. We are keeping you in constant prayer.
Chandra Leake
January 29, 2009
My sincere sympathy to the Watkins Family he was such a wonderful person. He helped anyone and always had a smile on his face. He will be missed but not forgotten.
Theresa Telpher - Irvin
January 29, 2009
My heartfelt condolences to the Watkins family. Please know you are in my prayers. May God continue to bless you during this difficult time.
Dorothy, Carmen, Frankie, Colette Foster and Kenneth "KJ" Warren, Jr.
January 28, 2009
To Diane and family,
Our hearts are so saddened by the loss of such a wonderful and dear family friend, Billy. Our families have meant a lot to each other through the years. We will indeed miss his smile, his compassion and his quick wit. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of deep sorrow. Our community has lost someone very special indeed, and his memory will be a beacon that will always shine in our hearts.
From the staff of W.S. Watkins & Son Funeral Home
January 29, 2009
We present this guestbook to you with deepest compassion and with our sincerest expression of sympathy.
John & Marian Brooks
January 28, 2009
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
Viesta Washington
January 28, 2009
HOW DO YOU SAY GOOD BYE TO A KIND AND GOOD NATURE FRIEND. I REMEMBER HOW KIND HE WAS TO MY FAMILY, WHEN MY FATHER AND GREAT AUNT PAST. WATKINS FUNERAL HOME FAMILY, SENT THEM OFF WITH GRACE AND DIGNITY, BUT HE WAS A FRIEND AT ALL TIMES. NO MATTER WHO YOU WERE OR WHERE HE SAW YOU, HE ALWAYS SPOKE AND HAD A KIND WORD. HE IS NOW AT PEACE WITH GOD AND I JUST KNOW THAT HE IS AT HEAVEN GATES, WITH JESUS, HELPING THE LORD TO WELCOME ALL THOSE, WHO WALK IN THE LIGHT OF THE LORD,
Tommie Tiller Sr
January 27, 2009
Diane and family,
Billy will truly be missed, He was a great friend, to us. I know he will be missed by the community for the wonderful work that he has done. It was a blessing to us to see him and talk to him and laugh with him before his passing. The Lord will keep you all strong as I know Billy would have you to be.
Blessing to all,
Tommie and Judy Tiller Sr.
Armeta Scott
January 27, 2009
May your heart always be filled with wonderful memories and the good times had. With time the pain of losing him will ease but he will never be forgotten.
Othello (Buddy) and Armeta Scott
Rosalind Brooks
January 27, 2009
OUR HEART IS HEAVY FOR OUR FRIEND BILLY AND HIS FAMILY. BILLY WHENEVER WE CALLED YOU ANSWERED SWIFTLY, GRACIOUSLY AND ALWAYS WITH A SMILE TO COMFORT OUR ACHING HEARTS. YOU WERE A HARD WORKING MAN, SO REST MY BROTHER, MY FRIEND. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. TO THE WATKINS FAMILY, MAY GOD GRANT YOU PEACE THAT PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING. WE LOVE YOU.
LOVE
ROSALIND AND CLARKE
AKA:DUCK&BROOKLYN
Robert Booker and Rosalind McNair-Thompson
January 27, 2009
To the Watkins Family, we were so sorry to hear of the lost of your loved one. He had such style and grace with the way he treated people that were grieving; he was very gracious to our family in our time of need. God bless each of you.
Andrea Morgan-Keeles
January 27, 2009
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Billy. He was always a pleasure to talk to, with his pleasant smile and quiet tone of voice. May the Heavenly Father comfort you in these times. My heart goes out to the Family. Take strength from all of the wonderful memories and all the times he made you smile. You are in my prayers.
Rev. Reginald Clark/Dr. Carolyn D. Clark Co-Pastors
January 27, 2009
With deepest sympathy, the United For Christ Baptist Church pastors, officers and members share with you during this time. Know that he is "resting in the arms of Jesus!". We sincerely appreciate Mr. Watkins' caring ministry to the Richmond, Metropolitan area.
Delsena Sammons
January 26, 2009
To Dianne, a very special lady, and family:
I'm sorry about the lost of your faithful partner, father and friend. My prayers are with. May God comfort you during this difficult times.
Glennis Chappelle
January 26, 2009
To Diane and family,
The lost of a love one is difficult, but God places his arms around you and gives you comfort. You and your family are in my prayers.
Alveeta Bower
January 26, 2009
Our heartfelt condolences to the Watkins family. Please know you are in our prayers. May God continue to bless you during this difficult time.
Mr. & Mrs. Alvoston L. Taylor, Jr.
Walker, Alveeta, and Tayla Bower
Mount Calvary Cemetery
January 26, 2009
To the Family of Willie S. Watkins,
The staff of Mount Calvary Cemetery is deeply saddened by the passing of Willie and we offer our most sincere sympathy to his family. Willie was a great and compassionate man and he will be dearly missed. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help ease your grief.
The staff of Mt. Calvary Cemetery
Gloria Averette
January 26, 2009
I only meet Mr. Watkins once, but that one time left a beautiful memory of him. May God best his family and his wife Dianne. Dianne my prayers and love is with you.
Keith A. Ridley IV
January 26, 2009
With deepest condolences
Keith A. Ridley,IV
Ridley Funeral Estab.Inc
Washington,DC
bennett booker jr
January 26, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
bennett booker jr
January 26, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Robert & Sylvia Melvin
January 25, 2009
With thoughts of sympathy to Willie Watkins Family. When you lose someone very precious, no one else can really know all that you feel. But, please know that many caring thoughts are with you during this time of sorrow. May God continue to give you courage and strength to endure with love and peace.
Lisa Janes
January 25, 2009
To The Family of Willie S. Watkins III:
We are deeply saddened by the passing of "Billie". He was a beautiful and thoughtful human being. His compassion and integrity not only in terms of his vocation but in terms of his human presence will forever remain in our hearts.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May the Lord God be with you.
With our deepest sympathy,
The Janes Family
Argarita Stewart
January 25, 2009
Memories are forever.
Please know that your entire family and staff are in my prayers. Argarita Stewart,
Stone Moutain, Georgia
Demetria Hinton
January 25, 2009
Watkins Family,
May the grace of God continually be with you. Look to Him, who is the author and finisher of your faith. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rev. Danny C. Brewster,Sr., M.Div
January 25, 2009
We were deeply saddened by the demise of Willie. Our hearts & prayers go out to all of the Watkins Family during this hour of bereavement.
May God comfort, console & be with you all as W.S.Watkins & Son Funeral Home has ALWAYS been there for every family that they have served over the years.
Danny & Constance
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2700 North Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222
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