Mr. Johnnie James Watkins of Charlotte, North Carolina passed away on Wednesday, March 13, 2019, at the Aldersgate's Retirement Community's Cuthbertson Village in Charlotte, N.C.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise Craig Watkins, his stepmother, Fannie Mabry Watkins of Winnsboro, S.C., his parents, James and Cora Watkins, his daughters, Debra W. Gerald and Dorothy A. Watkins, his son, Jackey C. Watkins, his sisters, Maggie Brown, Mattie L. Ellison, Ida W. Grier, and Alberta Young and brothers, Willie Watkins and Saul Williams.

Mr. Watkins is survived by his daughter, Rosa Chapell of Winnsboro, S.C., his sons, Stanley D. Watkins (Aldriche) and Johnie N. Watkins (Mex Shelia) of Charlotte, N.C., his sister, Mary A. Pauling of Winnsboro, S.C., grandchildren, Jackie Armstrong, Derrick Chapell, Steve Chapell, Willie Chapell, Jimmy Gerald, Jr., Everette Watkins (Sharon) , Alberta W. Richardson, Leslie W. Jordan (Jeffrey) , Megan E. Watkins, Shannova Maddox, Shamitria Watkins, Jonque' Watkins, and Sierra Watkins, and five great-grandchildren, Jaiden Maddox, Everette Watkins, Atlas Richardson, Aston Richardson, Jeffery Jordan, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Affectionally known as "Jack" by his relatives and friends, Johnnie Watkins migrated from Winnsboro, S.C. to Charlotte, N.C. in 1959 with his family.  He worked numerous jobs before becoming a long-distance truck driver for Krispy Kreme Donuts Corporation where he retired at age 65.  After five years of retirement, he embarked on another 17-year career at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport supervising airport concourse maintenance.  Work started early for "Jack" Watkins, he recalled, when he and his younger sister would chop wood early in the morning before going to school so their Dad could sell it to surrounding neighbors.  He always had several jobs at the same time to care for his family.

He was a Deacon, Usher and Member of the Choir at the New Emmanuel Congregational United Church of Christ and a member of Paul Drayton Masonic Lodge #7 for 41 years.  His colleagues and friends knew him for his hard work, dedication, and generosity.  Johnnie Watkins always extended a hand to help someone in need.

Three things will last forever - Faith, Hope, and Love.

And the greatest of these is Love.

1 CORINTHIANS 13.13