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Virgil Watkins Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Virgil Watkins
Shirley Mae Watkins Wells
June 16, 2020
Hey cousin, Thirteen years since you passed from this life to the one in Heaven that you deserve, and you're still thought of daily as if you never left. I'm sure you're being rewarded for your inspiration of kindness and good deeds to others in your Earth life.
Missing you. Love always.
Buzz Watkins
July 3, 2007
Sincerest condolences from Virgil's cousins in the Watkins Family History Society. He sounds like someone we can all be proud of.
Buzz Watkins
President - WFHS
paula watkins
June 28, 2007
If you would like to read the comments left by many on Virgil's web site, please feel free to visit: www.caringbridge.org/visit/virgilwatkins
Carol Reiley
June 28, 2007
Dear Audrey, Paula, Brian and family...
It's difficult to put on paper the impact that Virgil had on so many lives. Somehow I'm confident you already know. I found myself always looking forward to checking my home email. I was on his 'mailing list' and almost daily received forwarded jokes that made me smile. I learned quickly not to ever open them at work, although some were very touching. I've been missing those emails. It's hard to imagine life without a Virgil. As one of the many on the receiving end of his pranks...boy was he good at it...I will proudly carry on his legacy by telling and retelling my 'gotcha' story. No one will ever come close to the talent he had in his voice disguises and imagination. Because of the vastness of his prank receivers, Virgil will live on through these stories. I guess someone so full of life was not meant to turn into an old man. We'll all remember his youthfulness, his twinkling smile, and his incredible humor. Special thanks to Paula for keeping us all informed so regularly. You're amazing in your strength and courage. As each of his many friends now mourn his loss, that loss cannot compare to the void in all of your lives. May you find comfort in your memories as he lives on in each of you. Few dignitaries receive a turnout like Virgil's! Now he feels no pain...now he walks among the clouds...a shining star...a life well-lived. May we never be remembered by the years in our lives, but rather by the life in our years. God bless you all...
Patrick and Erika Fly
June 28, 2007
Virgil Watkins Family,
Our hearts go out to you in sincerest sympathy. We will sorely miss Virgils happy face and joking manner. May God help you through this time in your lives.
Barb Kain
June 24, 2007
During Virgil's last few years at Griffith, I was involved with the PTO. I admired the way he expressed his care, concern and hope for his students.
To his friends, family and former students, I am so sorry for your loss.
Theresa Torres Roop
June 24, 2007
Dear Audrey and Family: Virgil surely was one of a kind. How could you not help but smile when you saw him. To have touched so many hearts while on this earth is an outstanding example of how one person can make so much difference.
Wish I could have been at the services. I understand it was a wonderful honoring of his life.
Ronda Reed
June 23, 2007
Audrey, I am sorry to learn of your loss. I know you and your family will miss Virgil terribly. In reading his tributes, there is a fine man and friend in Heaven.
I will want to aspire to be as great an educator, too. It was always a pleasure working with you in schools at Creighton District. Just wanted to extend my sadness for your loss, and will remember to pray for comfort in the days ahead.
Jonnie J. McKnight Stowe
June 22, 2007
Virgil's journey on this earth has ended but the end of this journey took him to a land of peace and where there is no pain.
I had the pleasure of being Virgil's classmate at both Balsz and Phoenix Union. Though we only saw each other at school reunions, Virgil was a person you could never forget. Not only will he live on in the hearts and memories of his loved ones but in the hearts and memories of those who were privileged to know him and call him a friend.
Catherine Vizcardo caroline Omwancha
June 22, 2007
We met Mr Watkins in Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn, Rehab where we took care of him as a aptient. he was always smiling, kind and appreciative. We were saddened by his death. He will be missed.
Dora Ochsenbein
June 21, 2007
I met Virgil when he came into the Wish House at the Make A Wish Foundation of Arizona approximately 18 months ago. After being introduced, I instantly new he was a person everyone wanted to know.
Virgil and I had many discussions about Arizona History and racing. During one discussion, I informed Virgil that I had done poorly in AZ History. Within a few days he quickly returned to the office with a signed copy of a Arizona History book that he had obtained from his friend, the author. It didn't end there, he also arranged with the professor for me to take a complimentary class. Virgil would often call and quiz me on the book, I hadn't read it as of this day. Now, I will certainly read it and cherish the gift from my friend.
Virgil's smile and demeanor will be missed by all of us at the Wish House. I can remember specifically, our Walk for Wishes last year, Virgil showed up shortly after being released from the hospital in order to show his support. I was amazed at his commitment and dedication. My only regret is not knowing him for longer.
My deepest sympathy to his family for loosing such a wonderful person.
We will miss you Virgil!
Terree Parlett Wasley
June 21, 2007
Virgil Watkins was the teacher that had the most impact on me throughout my life. He as my teacher for both the 7th and 8th grades at Orangedale (he liked our class so much that he actually moved up with us to teach us again)! His personality and style of teaching was so engaging, and he seemed to instinctively know how to work with each student, whether they were the shy students, the outgoing students, or the troubled students. I know that he had a tremendous impact on all of us, because, and I did, so many of his students kept in touch with him throughout the years. Even though I met him while in the 7th grade decades ago, I saw him only a few years ago. His commitment to teaching was obvious - when I was sick at home for 3 weeks at the end of the school year, he came to our house to give me my final exams so I could finish the year. His sense of humor, quick wit and practical jokes were legendary! I will miss his smile and think of him often.
Lisa Martin
June 20, 2007
Virgil was my 8th grade teacher and has always remained a close friend to our family. He was a regular in the pit after the Sprint car races. He was always so much fun, playing practical jokes and laughing it up. When I think of him I will always smile. Thank you Virgil, for being a GREAT teacher and a WONDERFUL friend.
Stacy Johnson
June 20, 2007
We feel a great loss with Virgil's passing. He was a great friend and will be missed around the Racing community. His family will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
The Johnson Family,
Ricky, Stacy, RJ and Shannon
Ron and Jan Martin
June 20, 2007
We talked on the phone about how close we were as kids.Sorry it couldn't be carried to our golden days, liked we talked about Grandma Watkins said when she passed that you would know what to do when the time come. You will be truly missed. We Love you Cousin, Ron and Jan
Pauline Buzbee-Stanton
June 20, 2007
Our sympathy is with you at this time. Virgil taught my oldest daughter at Orangedale. They connected by email last year and we enjoyed hearing from him. He was a special man and will be missed by all. Pauline Stanton
Bruce Watson
June 20, 2007
Virgil and I attending Balsz grade school together, and then on to Phoenix Union High School. Since my last name is Watson, and classes were then mostly alphabetized , Virgil and I very often stood next to each other in whatever line was required. We kept loosely in touch over the years, and remembered old friends.
Tanya Halford
June 20, 2007
To Audrey, Bryan, Paula and family,
Virgil will be greatly missed. My memories of him were; how he was a good friend to my brothers, Bobby and Darren (Hill). They would go to games together, especially D-Back games, play those "Fantasy Sports Leagues, and even spent some time at the local pub. Boy did they have stories to tell! He would always spar with Bobby over sports stuff, with both of them really knowing their stats. When it came time, Virgil would come by my mom's (Sonia), to drop off Bobby's winnings and he wouldn't hesitate to tease my mom. Boy did she love the attention. Darren, I think, would see Virgil as sort of a mentor, growing up in the district and working WITH and FOR Virgil. Virgil was always giving of his time to help with school activities ensuring the success of the activites. He was truly dedicated and caring towards the kids who were fortunate enough to have him as a teacher and/or administrator. So for all those years that you shared Virgil with my family, THANK YOU! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during your time of loss.
Tanya Halford and The Hill Family
Sophie Herlyck
June 20, 2007
My most heartfelt sympathies to your family; Virgil was well thought of by my late husband and myself.
Shirley Wells
June 20, 2007
Hi cousin.I'm missing you already, but I can feel your presence in spirit. We talked a lot about how the soul keeps on living when you were here. I'll miss your surprise phone call jokes -especially like the time you called late one night saying you were Dad's relative from Ark. and wanted to pitch a tent in our front yard on your way through Ramona. I have your pictures, letters and video of yourself that you sent me, so I can visit you "in person" whenever I want. And memories of your humor will keep me laughing. Meanwhile, enjoy yourself in Heaven.(You can have all the Thanksgiving turkey legs you want -I won't steal them from you.) Bye for now,
Love, Cousin Shirley :)
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