Robert Mills Watkins, age 91

Robert Mills Watkins, age 91 of Forest City passed away Sunday, September 13, 2015.

Robert was born December 5, 1923 in Forest City and was a son of the late William Pinkney and Mary Josephine Wright Watkins. Robert was a Professional Photographer and along with his wife, owned Robert M. Watkins Studio in Forest City. He was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church, was a member of the Asbury Sunday School Class and had served on various church committees.

He served in the United States Army Air Corps as a First Lieutenant, P-51 Pilot and later served in the National Guard. Robert and his wife were diligent supporters of the American Cancer Society working each year with Relay For Life and they established the Cancer Patient Assistance Fund at First United Methodist Church, which the church later named the Robert and Evelyn Watkins Cancer Patient Assistance Fund. He was twice named Citizen of the Year by the Forest City Ministerial Association and was a member of the N.C. Photographers Association where his photographic work was held to high acclaim.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife of seventy-one years, Evelyn Wright Watkins, a daughter, Shirley Ann Watkins, sisters, Mary Yelton, Esther Butler, and Sarah Wells, and brothers, Roy Watkins, Charles Watkins, John Watkins, Van Watkins, Hiriam Watkins, James Watkins, and Kenneth Watkins.

Survivors include his daughters, Linda Watkins Freeman and husband Richard of Dothan, AL, Reverend Pamela Jane Watkins of Durham, NC, and a grandson, Richard Freeman, Jr. of Dothan. AL as well as many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held in the First United Methodist Church with Reverend Dr. Neil Haynes officiating. Interment followed in the Cool Springs Cemetery with military honors accorded by the Rutherford County Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to the Robert & Evelyn Watkins Cancer Patient Assistance Fund, c/o First United Methodist Church, 341 East Main Street, Forest City, NC 28043.

The Padgett and King Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.