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Jesse Watkins Obituary
Wilton was born in Wake County on August 30, 1932 to the late Jesse Braxton Watkins and Irene Burnette Watkins.
Wilton graduated from Rolesville High School in 1951 and attended Chowan College. On December 14, 1952, he married Emma Jo Massey. He worked with the City of Raleigh Police Department in the Motorcycle Division for seven years. For 31 years, he was a bus driver for Trailways Bus Company where he made friends and co-workers far and wide. While being employed as a driver, he accumulated over 1,800,000 miles.
Funeral service 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at L. Harold Poole Funeral Service Chapel, 944 Old Knight Road, Knightdale, NC, 27545 with Dr. Albert Wright officiating.
The family will receive relatives and friends prior to the service from 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Burial will be held at Wake Cross Roads Baptist Church Cemetery, 3329 Forestville Road, Raleigh, NC, 27616.
Surviving are wife, Emma Jo Massey Watkins; son, Mike Watkins, of Hiddenite; daughter, Susan W. Price and husband, Gary, of Raleigh; granddaughters, Jennifer Watkins and fianc, Frank Joseph "Trey" Malowany, of St. Petersburg, FL, Jessica Price, and Ashley Price; sister, Ellen Woodlief and husband Leland, of Youngsville.
In addition to his parents, Wilton was preceded in death by his daughter, Robin McAllister Watkins who was born on December 14, 1959 and passed away on March 3, 1997.
Condolences to the family may be made at www.poolefuneral.com under Obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jesse Watkins
December 16, 2008
So sorry for your loss. We really enjoyed meeting him and your whole family when he was in the room with my grandfather at Universal Healthcare. He brought a smile to our faces and you have all been so kind to my grandfather. You will be in all of my families thoughts and prayers.
Sarah Baker Briley
Retired Driver H. D. Rodgers
December 16, 2008
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.
Teresa Baker Miller
December 16, 2008
Dear Emma Jo and Susan: We are sorry for the loss of Jesse. We will miss him at Universal but Tom (my father) will look forward to seeing you all.
With Love, Teresa Baker Miller
Lori Edwards
December 16, 2008
Susan, Ema Jo and Mike. I'm so sorry to hear about your dad/husband. Our thoughts and prayers go out to ya'll and your family from all of us Golda,John Wendy and me (Lori).We all loved "Watkins" and his sense of humor. Remember,this isn't good bye. It's "I'll see you on the other side" Love Ya Lori
Curtis and Gwen (Davis) Womble
December 16, 2008
Dear Emma Jo
I was so saddened when Dr. Wright announced in church Sunday that Wilton had passed away. However, we rejoice in knowing that he is now with our Lord and Savior and is shouting Hallelujah. I know "Coggie" was there to greet him. You and the children will be in our prayers in the coming days.
With deepest sympathy
Henry & Barbara Cooke
December 16, 2008
Emma Jo, Susan & Gary:
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Wilton. You have our deepest sympathy. Hang on to all those wonderful memories in the days ahead. We are praying for you. The Lord is with you always.
Mike Jones
December 15, 2008
Emma Jo, Susan & Gary,
I just found out about Wilton's death. I am so sorry to hear of his passing he was a great friend to me and quite a character. I have a lot of fond memories of Wilton and the many lengthy talks we had. He made me laugh to tears. If heaven is the legacy and love you leave behind he will have quite a place up there. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. I will never forget Wilton Watkins he was one of a kind.
Dianne Kissinger
December 15, 2008
Ma,Susan,Mike and kids, please know how sorry I am for your loss. I loved "Pop" very much. I will surly miss him. You are in my prayers.
Dianne K.
P.S. You know he is happy and Robin is too. Now they are together. What a reunion! I can hear her laughing now. Can't You?
Tommy Stancil
December 15, 2008
JW gave me my first ticket.I was in highschool and hit a persons rear fender. I had no money and he took me across street to a body shop and had his friend fix it for 35.00. We later played baseball together and became good friends.
Billie Murray
December 15, 2008
Susan & family,
Please know how sorry I am to learn of your Father's death. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. My heart aches for you and your family.
Billie Price Murray
MARIE & TERRY
December 15, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sharon Ferrell Tucker
December 15, 2008
Susan: I am sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers.
Rev. Claude and Ruby Walker
December 15, 2008
Emma Jo, Mike and Susan you have our most sincere condolences and prayers. I know God will comfort your heart as you reflect on precious memories. I treasure the many talks and discusions we had with wilton over the years. He was a dear friend
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