Mr. Ronald "Ronnie" Watkins

WATKINS, Mr. Ronald - Age 79, passed away Saturday, February 13, 2021 at Warwick AFC Home in Grand Blanc, MI. Family hour 10:00 Am Saturday, February 20, 2021 at Grace Emmanuel Baptist Church, 3502 Lapeer Rd., with Memorial Service commencing at 11:00 AM, Pastor Rabon L. Turner, officiating. Family and friends will assemble at the Church 10:00 AM Saturday. There will be no public viewing.Mr. Ronald Alvin Watkins passed away peacefully at Warwick Adult Foster Care on February 13, 2021. Ronald “Ronnie” Watkins was born July 2, 1941 in Columbus, Ohio, the son of Ivory and Martha Watkins. Later they made their home in Flint, Michigan. Ronald attended Clark Elementary, Whittier Jr. High and Flint Central High School. While at Flint Central, Ron was a two sport star in Football and Track. He was one of the fastest runners in the State. Ron was an outstanding Football Player at left half back. He earned honors on the All City Team, All Valley and unanimous choice on all the All State Team in Michigan. As a Sprinter in Track, he set a non-grad record. After Ronald graduated from Flint Central High School, “Class of 1959,” he matriculated at Michigan State University and participated in Football and Track. Upon returning to Flint, Ron began employment with General Motors Corporation where he worked as a Skilled Journeyman for 34 years, retiring in 1998. On December 14, 1963, Ron was united in Holy Matrimony to his friend of many years, Lola Finley for 57 years. God entrusted them with sons, Ronald Scott and Rodney Scott Watkins. On February 26, 1995, Ron was inducted into the Greater Flint Afro American Hall of Fame due to his accomplishments in Football and Track at Flint Central High School. In 2004, Ron and the entire football team was inducted in the Greater Flint Hall of Fame as the “1958 Flint Central State Championship Team.” there is also mention of Ronald in the book “Bronze Pillars”, a history of African Americans in Flint. Ron began his Christian Walk at Christ the King Catholic Church under the leadership of Priest, Father Dukette. He later joined Grace Emmanuel Baptist Church and was baptized by Pastor Marvin A. Jennings Sr. At Grace Emmanuel for 31 years, he served as an Usher and Member of the Hospitality Committee until he became disabled. Ron loved to travel and was a founding member of First Class Travel Club enabling travel to many exciting places. After retirement, Ron became interested in Golf. He became an avid Golfer, playing in several leagues and won many first place trophies with the help of his main golfing partner, Donald Brown. Mr. Ronald Alvin Watkins leaves to cherish his memory: wife, Lola M. Watkins; sons, Ronald S. (Barbie) Watkins of Marietta, GA and Rodney S. (Kristina) Watkins; grandsons, Courtney Watkins, Isaiah Watkins, all of Appleton, WI; sister, Debra Yancey; brothers, Stephen (Eva) Yancey, Reginald (Ida) Yancey, Jeffrey (Gwen) Yancey, sisters-in-law, Bernadine Yancey and Bertha Simmons; brothers-in-law, Joseph (Millie) Smith, Willie Finley and Tommy (Patricia) Finley; uncle, John Callahan; aunts, Lavinia Hartfield, Vernice Watkins, Lois Watkins and Joyce Saunders; many nieces, nephews and cousins. He also leaves god-daughter, Erica Thrash-Sall; a host of friends including special friends, Art (Gloria) Thrash, Moses (Sadie) Williams, Earl Stephens, members of the First Class Travel Club, classmates of the Class of 1959, “Usher Buddies”, “Golf Buddies”, Hospitality Committee and the entire Grace Emmanuel Baptist Church family. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Ivory (Geraldine) Watkins and Martha (Charles) Yancey; grandparents; brother, Douglas Yancey; step-sister, Vivian Smith; a host of aunts, uncles and cousins. The family would like to express special thanks to Pastor Rabon L. Turner Sr. and the Grace Emmanuel Baptist Church Family, Henry Mendoza MD, primary care physician for 25 plus years, the All American Hospice Care staff with recognition of Erika RN, his nurse and the staff of Warwick Adult Foster Care for their humane and excellent care.

Mr. Ronald "Ronnie" Watkins

July 2, 1941 - February 13, 2021