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Paul Watkins Obituary
September 15, 1957 - October 31, 2022
Obituary Dr. Paul E. Watkins
On October 31, 2022, Dr. Paul Eric Watkins passed away at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York after a protracted illness. At the age 65, his brother and sister lovingly kissed him goodbye as he set off for his final and most desirable destination, to live eternally with God in Heaven.
Dr. Paul Watkins was the youngest of three children born to Dr. Flotilla Watkins and Dr. Nellouise Watkins. Born in Roanoke, Virginia, he grew up in Durham and Greensboro, NC. Paul graduated from high school from Oak Ridge Military Academy in 1975 as an honor student and basketball star. He completed Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1979, graduating with honors in Biology. During college he became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Honor Society, and the internationally prestigious Phi Beta Kappa Academic Honor Society. His graduate studies included matriculation at UNC-Chapel Hill, Morehouse College, Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry, and the NYU College of Dentistry Subspecialty in Orthodontics.
Dr. Watkins practiced Dentistry and Orthodontics for 35 years. He was a community leader having served as the president of the Greensboro Medical Society as had his father before him. For numerous years, Paul sponsored community fundraisers to include support of the Saturday Academy which was a math and science tutorial program for young children in Greensboro. The inception and leadership of this program was provided by Dr. Nellouise Watkins and Dr. Nan Manuel. Paul financially supported this program for more than 3 decades.
Paul's commitment to personal fitness resulted in his having run 270 marathons internationally. He even participated in the New York City Iron Man competition. His final competition was in 2017 at 60 years of age.
As a Christian, Paul provided missionary dental work in numerous parts of the world to include Haiti, Ethiopia, and Jamaica for more than three decades. At the time of his illness, Dr. Watkins maintained a practice in New York City.
Paul was preceded in death by his two loving parents: Drs. Flotilla and Nellouise D. Watkins. He is survived by his brother and wife, Dr. Flotillo and Helen Watkins of Greensboro, NC; sister and husband: Dr. Sharon Cooper and Donald Brooks of Fayetteville, NC; former spouse Dr. E. Cheryl Ponder; nieces and families: Tresca Nellouise and Jay Pennington and Sunni Brooke Madison; nephews: Quentin Christopher Brown and Flotilla Bruce Watkins III; great-nieces: Roxanna Watkins, Jayda Pennington, and Gianna Madison; great-nephews: Treston Pennington, Vincent Madison, Terrence Lewandowski, and Bryson Watkins; a host of dear cousins and close friends.
Funeral services for Dr. Paul E. Watkins will be held at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, November 12, at St. James Presbyterian Church, 820 Ross Ave., Greensboro, N.C.
Perry J. Brown Funeral Home
909 East Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27401
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Memories and Condolences
for Paul Watkins
Sponsored by Perry J. Brown Funeral Home - Greensboro.
Ms. Jackie Harris
November 2, 2024
Gone but never forgotten. The Marine Corp Marathon was held in Washington,DC last weekend and I thought of you and said a prayer. You are sorely missed.
Your friend and classmate,
Jackie Harris
Jackie Harris
November 14, 2023
It's been one year and I often think of my friend and classmate . Paul's light will never be extinguished. He impacted so many people's lives including mine. I miss him dearly.
Maurice
November 13, 2022
My condolences to the family of my dear friend Dr Watkins, I will miss you my friend and hold our memories for an eternity,R I P my brother.
Sincerely,the Mayers and Harmon family
Sacha L Rodriguez
November 13, 2022
My condolences to the family. I was one of Dr. Watkins's dental assistants I'm very saddened by his passing. May God keep Him in his glory.
Patsy Smith Morgan
November 12, 2022
I was the Retreater responsible for orienting Paul and 2 other young men from Greensboro when he came to Fisk University as a freshman. Fisk proved to be a perfect fit for him. He excelled there academically and pledged Alpha Chi chaper of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Like most Fisk men he went on to do great things in the community and in the world. I was saddened to hear of his passing and extend my sincere condolences to his family. Patsy Smith Morgan, Fisk University, Class of 1977
Dr Mfon Umoren
November 12, 2022
Paul was my classmate at Meharry Medical College, School of Dentistry, Class of 1987. Paul had an infectious smile and laughter. You could stay mad at him for anything silly he might have done, he made you laugh. No more pain. RIP
Rodney L. Cobb DDS
November 12, 2022
Dr. Paul Watkins was my classmate was my classmate in the Meharry Dental School Class of 1987. He was the president of our class. He provided exemplary leadership as a leader of our leader. World traveler, athlete, intellectual, and philanthropist he gave to those who were in need of his services internationally. Blessings to the Watkins family during this difficult time.
Linda Adams
November 10, 2022
Your family was so kind and generous to the children that I fostered. We will miss you. Rest in Peace.
Jacqueline
November 10, 2022
Jacqueline
November 10, 2022
Jacqueline
November 10, 2022
Jacqueline
November 10, 2022
Jacqueline
November 10, 2022
Jacqueline
November 10, 2022
Jacqueline
November 10, 2022
It was a pleasure to have worked with you for so many years . Rejoice
Paula Augbon
November 10, 2022
Condolences to the family and all the lives that were touched by Paul and his wonderful smile
Mary E. Watts Kellar
November 10, 2022
"EJ" and I worked together in a small dental clinic in Nashville He was such an outstanding jubilant personality, a great dentist and an intellectual. He made going to work fun. I looked forward to his antics, fascinating stories and quick wit. Although we were not the keep in touch type of friends, my husband, Gary and I were always happy to see you at Meharry (or Fisk) Reunions to hear your latest adventures. Rest in Heaven "EJ" knowing that everyone that has met you has a fond memory of you that brings a smile and even a hardy laugh. I´m thankful our paths crossed. I pray for Gods comfort to your family during this time.
Judith Chenevert
November 9, 2022
Paul , we will remember you as the youngest of the Grandy-Watkins Family: .Judy, Clem, Flot, Sharon, Paul.
We shall miss you and your smile.
Wishing for the Family to find comfort in all Paul accomplished personally and professionally .
We love you Watkins Family .
God will be your Strength and your Guide going forward.
Judy Chenevert and Clem Grandy
DeNeal Cunningham
November 9, 2022
With Love and Sympathy,
Dr. Paul, the last time I saw you was at a reunion at Fisk University.
May you Rest In Peace.
Deneal Cunningham
West Palm Beach, Fl
Carla Stinnette-Miller
November 9, 2022
A fun loving Fiskite! I so enjoyed our time as classmates at Fisk together. RIP my brother. Your earthly presence will be missed - Carla Stinnette-Miller
michele r. brown
November 8, 2022
Paul was a friend indeed and my dentist/orthodontist compliments of an introduction from Cheryl. He will be missed. He was a character. He made me laugh - this was his gift. God bless you. Praying for the family.
Seok Kim
November 8, 2022
Dr Watkins. Thank you for being a mentor and a friend. We will miss you very much.
Virginia Reeves Schexnider
November 8, 2022
The Watkins and Reeves families were close knit families. The Reeves family would visit the Watkins family every Thanksgiving. Dr. Paul Watkins (cousin Paul) was the baby of the five children. He was always so vibrant, happy, brilliant, and full of love and life. We will miss him. Our sincere condolences to our cousins, Dr. Flotilla Watkins, Jr. and Dr. Sharon W. Cooper and families. We love you.
Dr. Curtis C. Reeves, Jr. and Virginia Reeves Schexnider and families.
Hamp Holloway
November 8, 2022
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
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