Charles H. Watkins

Charles H. Watkins

Mr. Charles H. Watkins of Ellenwood, GA, passed September 29, 2018.  Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Friendship Baptist Church, 80 Walnut St., SW, with Reverend, Dr. Richard W. Wills, Sr., pastor, officiating. The Omega service of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. will be held at the church at 10 a.m. 

Charles Henry Watkins was born on October 6, 1936 to Reverend Charles Henry Watkins, Sr.  and Mrs. H. Evelyn Watkins in Newark, New Jersey. 

He was preceded by his father and grandfather, as Baptist preachers; however, Charles Henry Jr. chose a different route, pursuing a career in public health. Charles began by earning his B.S. degree in Biology at the Virginia Union University, Richmond, Virginia.  While in undergraduate school he pledged to the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

After receiving his undergraduate degree, Charles enlisted into the United States Air Force.  There, from 1958 to 1962, he served as an Airman First Class (Scientific Aide) within the Holloman Airforce Base at White Sands, New Mexico.  He performed very prominent duties towards supporting the U.S. Space program.  He received his master’s degree in Manpower Management from the University of Utah in 1974.

In 1962, Charles began to pursue a career in public health, working in the field of disease prevention for the New Jersey State Department of Health.  He quickly advanced his efforts within the public health field, by gaining employment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  This led Charles on an extensive 34 year [cw1] career, as a Federal employee; often being placed in national, as well as international tours of duty.  Often taking along, his wife of fifty-three years, Judith Drew Watkins, and later, their two sons, Gordon and Terrence.  While with the CDC, Mr. Watkins was assigned placement within Newark, New Jersey; St. Louis, Missouri; Nigeria, (West Africa); Beltsville, Maryland; Kansas City, Missouri; and Atlanta, Georgia (where he would later retire.) Upon retirement Charles had achieved and retired as Director of Regional Operations at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

He met Judith Drew, his bride to be, in New Jersey, and they were united in marriage April 23, 1965.  Through this union, two sons were born; Gordon and Terrence.

Charles was a life long member of the Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity Inc.  He was also an active member of the Friendship Baptist Church; having served on the Retirees’ choir and the Men’s choir.  In addition, Charles was an avid golf player; as demonstrated by his membership to the Pro Duffers Golf Club.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents, and his one brother, Curtis Watkins.  He leaves behind to cherish his memories, his wife, his two sons, a granddaugher and host of relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Virginia Union University Biology Department in memory of Charles H. Watkins. 

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