Ralph Lloyd Watkins Jr.

Ralph Lloyd Watkins Jr. 69 of Kings Mountain, North Carolina passed away peacefully on November 6th, 2023, at Wendover Hospice House Shelby, North Carolina surrounded by his beloved family after experiencing a sudden illness and a recent diagnosis of blastoid mantle cell cancer on September 25th of 2023.

Ralph Jr. was born on September 21st, 1954, to Ralph Sr. and Pauline Watkins of Gastonia, North Carolina. He was retired from Wood Creations of Gastonia, North Carolina where he loved his job and the owners Ron and Ann Huneycutt who became like family.

Ralph Jr was happily married to the love of his life for almost 49 years Rebecca Grayson Watkins. He is survived by his loving wife Rebecca Watkins of the home a daughter Raina Watkins of Gastonia, North Carolina a son Russell Watkins and wife Haley Watkins of Kings Mountain, North Carolina. Three grandchildren who were the loves of his life. Granddaughter Alexis Aiken of Gastonia North Carolina. Grandson PV2 Travis Watkins of the United States Army. Granddaughter Kinsley Watkins of Kings Mountain, North Carolina. Sisters Joann Seaman of Gastonia, North Carolina Hattie Webb of Gastonia North Carolina and Candace Grayson and husband Jimmy Grayson of Kings Mountain North Carolina. Mother and Father-in-law Norma and Bill Calhoun of Cherryville, North Carolina. Brother-in-laws Steve Taylor of Bessemer City, North Carolina. Jimmy Grayson of Kings Mountain, North Carolina Jeff Grayson of Lake Wylie, South Carolina. Sister- in- laws Cathy Carpenter and husband Keith Carpenter of Clover, South Carolina. Patty Johnson and husband Gene Johnson of Kings Mountain, North Carolina. Glenda Reeves and husband Jack Reeves of Shallotte, North Carolina. Dana Grayson of Kings Mountain, North Carolina. Mary Watkins of Lincolnton, North Carolina. Also, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. Two dogs who miss him dearly Tinkerbell and Daisy.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph Sr and Pauline Watkins grandparents Elmis and Delsie Watkins and Joe and Charlotte Nations. Two brothers Alvin Watkins Alden Watkins and one sister Paulette Taylor. Brother-in-laws Johnny Seaman Sr. Joe Webb Keith Grayson Grandparent in-laws Ada and Earl Cantrell and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

He was a very special father, grandfather, son and uncle. He was like a father to his grandbabies and he was the best Grandpa anyone could ask for. He loved fishing camping and going to the auction houses but most of all he loved going to the beaches with his wife kids and grandkids and teaching them all how to fish and catch sand crabs. He never met a stranger and had a heart of gold, always showing his love for everyone, always lending a helping hand. Every man woman and child he met loved him for his kindness and generosity.

There will be a Celebration of Life memorial service at a later date to be announced.

Memorials can be made in memory of Ralph Watkins Jr. to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Charlotte, North Carolina PO Box 22443 New York, NY 10087-2443.