Norman Branch Watkins

Norman Branch Watkins, age 81, gave up time for Eternity on Thursday,  April 7, 2016.  We, his family and friends, bow in humble submission to the Will of God.  During this most difficult transition we find comfort and give thanks for the many years we shared his life.

Born February 8, 1935 in Stanly County, North Carolina, Norman was the son of the late Branch Norman and Bessie Lydia Fulwood Watkins.  He was educated in the public schools of Stanly County and was a Kingville High School graduate, Class of 1954. He was a former member of Bennettsville A.M. E. Zion Church, Norwood, North Carolina.

Norman was well versed and experienced in many areas. He was an entrepreneur who owned and managed Top Hat Store and Cafe, Norwood, North Carolina. He was owner and manager of the Norwood Pirates, an African-American baseball team (AAA) and the Piratees Softball Team. He was no stranger to work, in addition to his business ventures, he was employed with the Stanly County Board of Education in the maintenance department and as a school bus driver. Norman was never idle, as he enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting, planting trees, farming and spending time with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed watching his beloved Washington Redskins football team, especially when they won three (3) Super Bowl Championships.

 In addition to his parents, a special friend, Frances Wall; sons: Gilbert Watkins and Donald "Chick" Wall; daughter, Sharon Davis; sisters, Mabel Watkins and Evelyn Johnson preceded him in death.

A legacy of love, devotion and fond memories are left with  two daughters: Bessie Watkins and Janet (Earl) Patterson, both of Norwood, North Carolina; special friend, Cynthia Powell, New London, North Carolina; sons: James (Yvonne) Thomas, Concord, North Carolina, Pastor Tony (Linda) Thomas, Toriano (Avonda) Thomas and Toddric (Marlena) Thomas, all of Charlotte, North Carolina; a granddaughter who was reared as a daughter, LaTonya (John) Harrison; eighteen grandchildren; seventeen great grandchildren; one great great-grandchild; sister, Flora Watkins, Norwood, North Carolina; a special cousin, Ernest Watkins; a host of other relatives and dear friends.  

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