Romie Watkins, Jr.

Romie Watkins Jr, 89 Sunrise February 8, 1932, and Sunset August 24, 2021. Born in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Romie moved to Ashville, North Carolina at a very young age and continued his journey to his final resting place in Columbus, Ohio. Romie attended Felton Elementary School, Champion Middle School, and East High School. Known for his smooth skills on the court, he played on the East High School First State Championship team in 1951. Later he was inducted in Greater Columbus Basketball Legends Hall of Fame and Jump 25 Hall of Fame and voted top ten greatest basketball player in Central Ohio. He left his legacy through everything he did and is affectionately known by many as the “Life of the Party.” Romie was a devoted family man, a dedicated and hardworking businessman and everyone’s go to handyman. His humor, infectious laugh, and ability to Romie married the love of his life Barbara J. Watkins on December 11, 1965. Romie and Barbara created a host of memories together. He was a devoted husband and grandfather. He was so blessed to have spent so many precious memories with his beloved wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, which were his pride and joy. Preceded in death by his parents Romie & Estelle Watkins, Sr. and son Danny Watkins and Anita Watkins and siblings: Tillman, Clayton, Wil, John, Virgil, Robert, Louise, Viola, and Clarence. His memory will be cherished by wife Barbara Jeanne Watkins; children Denise M. (Curtis) Martin, Romie (Wanda) Watkins, III, Renee Richardson, John M. Watkins, Mia (Jesse) Prewitt. Grandchildren: Halle’, Jesse III “Bud”, Tianna, Tiffany, Kasey, Raina, Pam, Juanita, Romie IV, Bonita, Dawnee, and Wendell, Joshua. A host of great-grandchildren: Rianna, Omarion, Kamari, Jay Marie, Alexis, Naomi, Pamela, Lucius, Martin, Mataya, Anthony, and Jahleel. The Watkins Family asks, "In lieu of flowers, a memorial scholarship fund has been established to honor the 1951 State Champion, Romie Watkins, Jr. Proceeds will go to an outstanding East High School Senior. Donations can be made to http://paypal.me/rwatkinsscholarship. Please reach out to the family for repast information.