William Ruffin Watkins

William Ruffin Watkins, 82, loving father, husband, grandfather, brother, and uncle, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 following a two year battle with advanced dementia. A service and visitation in celebration of Bill’s life will be held at Aversboro Road Baptist Church, 1600 Aversboro Road in Garner on Monday, June 20 at 1:00pm. Bill is survived by his devoted children, William Patrick Watkins (Anna) and Paige Watkins Bagwell (Jody) both of Wake Forest, NC along with his five grandchildren Jackson Patrick Watkins (17), Brook Mackenzie Watkins (15), Wes William Watkins (5), Lyla Jo Bagwell (14), and Molly Ann Bagwell (11). Bill is also survived by his brother Robert Allen Watkins of Louisburg, brother-in-law Lloyd Drew Gupton (Judy) of Garner, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, five other siblings, and by the love of his life and his wife of 38 years, Jo Ann Gupton Watkins. Bill was born December 8, 1939 in Louisburg, NC and was raised in the Gold Sand Community. He was a 1958 graduate of Gold Sand High School where he was recognized as a standout athlete in both baseball and basketball. Following high school Bill lived more than five decades in Garner, NC, served in the Army National Guard, raised his family, and worked as an architect draftsman and then as a teacher and coach in the Wake County Public School System. Alongside his wife, Bill was an active member of Aversboro Road Baptist Church, joining the newly formed congregation in 1973. Although quiet and reserved, he was a man of strong Christian faith. Through Sunday School, worship, choir, and regular Bible study, he modeled this faith every day in every deed for his family and friends. Outside of church, Bill was an avid sportsman enjoying swimming, golf, baseball, and any NCSU Wolfpack sport! Being a longtime Garner resident, he was also a huge fan of all GSHS athletics, a member of the Trojan Club, and an announcer for high school football games. But of all the things he treasured and loved, his family and the activities they loved became his passion. He spent countless hours in the stands, on the field, in the dugout, or on the road to watch Pat do the thing he loved most - play baseball. Likewise, he spent those same countless hours watching, cheering, and driving Paige anywhere and everywhere to do the thing she loved most - clogging. From little league to travel teams to the Majors; from rehearsals to practices to the Grand Ole Opry; and traveling all across the United States, Bill Watkins was always his kids’ (and grandkids’) #1 fan! Bill had a tender heart, adventurous spirit, and sense of humor that will be greatly missed by the people who loved him for years and by those who knew him for only a brief time. His legacy will certainly live on through his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. And although the world is a little less bright today because of his passing, his family takes comfort in knowing that he was called home to be with Jo Ann and that he is finally at peace. Arrangements are in the care of Bryan-Lee of Garner and donations in his memory may be made to The Jo Ann Watkins Memorial Scholarship Fund through Garner Magnet High School PTSA, 2101 Spring Drive, Garner, NC, 27529.