WATKINS SR., FRED LEE

WATKINS SR., FRED LEE – 88 of Woodbine, NJ, departed this life on Wednesday September 30, 2015 peacefully at home surrounded by his family. He was born on April 12, 1927, one of eight children born to Edward Thomas and Mabel Stanford Watkins. Fred was employed by the Woodbine Developmental Center for 30 years, working as the Food Service Director until his retirement in 1987. He served in the US Army during World War II from 1945 to 1947 and the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. A pillar of the community he loved, he was Cub Master for Pack No. 77, Scout Leader, Manager for the Little League Baseball Team, Special Police Officer of the Woodbine Police Department, past president of the Woodbine Ambulance Corps, member of Keystone Lodge No 39 F & A M and served as Senior Warden. He also co-hosted the Gospel Hour on WCMC TV in Wildwood, New Jersey. On July 15, 1973 he was ordained as a Deacon of SOAR Church, formally First Baptist Church of Woodbine and faithfully served his church as a Trustee, Assistant Superintendent of Sunday School, teacher of the Adult Bible Study, Usher, Member of the Men’s choir, and beloved emcee for many church events. He enjoyed singing, playing the organ, planting his garden and cooking for the community. Fred loved his church family with all of his heart and always had words of wisdom and encouragement for the younger generation. He made an impression on all who knew him. Fred is survived by his loving wife of 67 years Wilhelmenia Watkins (nee Toney), his daughter Geraldine Hudgins, sons; Douglas (Geddzayda) Watkins, Fred Watkins Jr. and Son in Law; Clifford Gadson Sr., Grandchildren; George Hudgins IV, Tracey (Orlando) Robinson, Heather (James) Jones, Fred (Jirawadee) Watkins III, Denise Gadson, Tasha Watkins, Clifford Gadson Jr, Douglas Watkins Jr, William Bailey, and Justin Hudgins. Great Grandchildren; Kelsey Robinson, Amaya Collins, Jaymi Jones, Rachel Jones, Isabel, Hudgins, Jonah Hudgins, Justin Hudgins Jr. and Lena Watkins, Sisters; Dorothy McLean and Edna (Bernard) Todd, Godchildren Matthew Goolsby, Brandon Buckmon and a host of nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his daughter Debra Gadson, son in law George Hudgins III, sisters; Helen Goar, Aldine Lively and brothers; William, Thomas and Harry Watkins. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the SOAR Church, 1324 DeHirsch Avenue, Woodbine, NJ, where viewing will begin at 9:00 a.m. There will not be a final viewing after the service. Interment will be in the Cape May County Veterans Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the SOAR Church, 1324 DeHirsch Ave, P.O. Box 629, Woodbine, NJ 08270. Condolences at www.radzieta.com