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In Memory Of Our Poets

William "Wick" Carrroll Watkins (1931-2016) - Class Of 1950

William C. Watkins Obituary

William C. Watkins

November 2, 1931-May 15, 2016

William C. Watkins, known to his friends and family as Wick, was born on November 2, 1931, and passed away at the age of 84 on May 15, 2016, in his home in Auburn, AL. He leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Shirley Parker Watkins; his two daughters, Sharon Lofton (husband Dickey Lofton) and Jana Jordan (husband Robert Jordan [deceased]); his brother, Larry Watkins (wife June Watkins); as well as fifteen grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Bertha L. Watkins. Mr. Watkins was a proud resident of Gordo, AL, and attended high school at Sidney Lanier in Montgomery, AL. After this, he attended Auburn University, where he graduated in the class of '50. During his college years at Auburn, he came to know Auburn and love it. He joined the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and has been a continuous supporter throughout his life. To honor his diligent service and contributions to the Upsilon Chapter, Wick was awarded Pi Kappa Alpha's lifetime achievement award in 2012. Wick also served in the Marine Corp during his college years from '53-'55. This was one of his proudest achievements in his life, and an experience that taught him discipline, courage, and work ethic that would help him in his business career to come. Wick sold roofing for Ruberoid and also worked in real estate in Charlotte, NC for many years until moving back to Lake Martin in the early 1970's. Soon after, Wick invested into the ICEE business and was the franchise owner of the Atlanta and Birmingham branches. He finished out his successful career with ICEE many years later and resided in Auburn, AL until his death. Mr. Watkins has been a generous supporter of Auburn University Athletics, Auburn University's Nursing School, Troy University, and Huntingdon College, where his wife received her degree. Through his love of classical music, he supported the Auburn Knights Orchestra and their Alumni Association. Wick was also granted a membership in the 1856 Society of Auburn University was a long standing member of Auburn United Methodist Church. Mr. Watkins was a devoted husband and loving father, son, brother, and friend. His passions were his family and many friends, classical music, life on Lake Martin, and all things related to Auburn University.

The family would like to thank Hospice Advantage, as well as his caregivers who have loved, cared, and laughed with Wick as though he were their own father. Services will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 19, 2016, at Auburn United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at AUMC. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Bertha L. Watkins Scholarship Endowment in the Auburn School of Nursing: Auburn University Foundation, Office of Development, 317 South College Street, Auburn, Alabama 36849.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home is directing.

www.jeffcoattrant.com
Published in the Montgomery Advertiser on May 17, 2016.