Robert Phillip Watkins

October 04, 1934 - November 18, 2012

Obituary For Robert Phillip Watkins

Robert Phillip Watkins, 78 died Sunday, November 18, 2012 at Hospice House surrounded by family after a brief illness with cancer. Phillip was born October 4, 1934 in Petersburg, Illinois to George Samuel and Helen Taylor Watkins. He was a graduate of Petersburg High School. While attending Illinois College in Jacksonville, Illinois he was drafted into the US Army for service during the Korean Conflict. After leaving the Army he attended and graduated from Tri-State University in Angola, Indiana with a BS in Electrical Engineering. Phillip had a 30 year career which began with General Motors in Milwaukee, Wis. where he worked on the Apollo Space Program. He later moved to Bloomington/Normal, Illinois working for General Electric in Marketing. In 1976 he transferred the GESCO division of GE in Raleigh, NC and later became the Marketing Manager for the GE Industrial Solutions Division in Mebane, NC until retirement in 1995. Phillip was an avid fisherman and hunter. He was a loyal Chicago Cubs and Bears fan, but he was a diehard Duke basketball fan. In retirement he enjoyed time spent on fine woodworking and cabinet making projects, but more than anything he cherished the extra time spent with family and friends, especially his grandchildren. Phillip was a member of St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church after moving to Raleigh. In retirement to the North Carolina High Country, he was a member of St. Elizabethâ??s Catholic Church in Boone, NC. After moving back to Raleigh, in order to be closer to family, he was a parishioner at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Phillip is survived by his wife of 55 years, Reta Robinson Watkins; daughter Christine Rich-Hanson of Champaign Il; Sons Brian and wife Cheri of Raleigh NC, Andy and wife Lisa of Apex NC, and Bradley and wife Chantal of Wake Forest NC; Nine grandchildren and one great grandchild. Also a sister, Georgia L Zarvell of Peoria Il. He was predeceased by a brother David P Watkins and a grandchild Erin Elizabeth Watkins.

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Condolences

September 01, 2020

Chris Killmon

Im so sorry for your loss, especially at this special time of year when we share so much with our family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
September 01, 2020

Warren and Jenny Caldwell

Many good memories with you in our lives. Will miss you terribly. Lots of sports involvements over the years. May your family heal over this great loss.
September 01, 2020

The Kirkpatrick Family

Our prayers and solidarity are with you in this time of loss.
September 01, 2020

MIKE & CARLAJEAN REBBE

WE GO BACK A LONG WAY, ROBBIE. SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT PHIL'S DEATH. OUR PRAYERS TO YOU, BRIAN (OUR GODCHILD), THE REST OF YOUR BEAUTIFUL FAMILY, AND TO GEORGIA, ONE OF MY FAVORITE CHEERLEADERS! OUR PRAYERS FOR PEACE IN ALL YOUR HEARTS.
September 01, 2020

Elaine

At times like this mere words seem so small. Robert's death has left a heartache that is so hard to heal. But his love has left memories that no one can steal. I wish you peace and hope in the midst of your sorrow. I pray that your friends stay close and your faith stays strong. Faith in Gods Word that soon He will wipe away every tear from our eyes, and death will be no more; neither sorrow, nor crying, nor pain will be any more. The former things will soon pass away. Revelation 21:3, 4; Matthew 5:5. Until that day arrives, loving thoughts and heartfelt sympathy are with you.
September 01, 2020

Doug Zarvell

Aunt Robbie and all my cousins - my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
September 01, 2020

Bill Sadler

Watkins Family, I'm sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
September 01, 2020

Georgia

I will miss you big brother.
September 01, 2020

Kenny Brown

Cuz, I'll miss our many e-mails & reunions. We spent oh so many hours on the gridiron & track & baseball field & basketball court. I'll cherish them 'til we meet again!! Go Blue Devils! Your Cuz
September 01, 2020

angela faulk

Brain please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
September 01, 2020

Phyllis (Hodgen) Hansen

My thoughts and prayers are with you Georgia Lu and Robbie and all the family.
September 01, 2020

Pat Powers

My mother Louise Finney and I have many good memories of the entire Watkins family. It was exciting when I was young to have an older cousin who was as dashing as Phil. (And David). Caring thoughts to you, Georgia Lu. Love, Pat