T. Wrey Watkins

Talcott Wrey Watkins, 85, of 112 Lakeside Drive, Edenton, NC, died Tuesday, January 14, 2014 in Vidant Chowan Hospital. Mr. Watkins was born in Raleigh, NC on February 29, 1928 and was the son of the late Carey D. and Bessie Morris Watkins. A graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science in Nashville, TN, he worked at Mitchell Funeral Home in Raleigh for over 37 years before retiring as the firm's General Manager due to health issues. During his years at Mitchell's, he trained and mentored many young men who went on to careers in funeral service. Living in Raleigh until 2001 when he moved to Edenton to be closer to his children, his life was full and he served his community in many areas. An Army veteran of the Korean War, he was a former secretary of the North Carolina Funeral Director's Association, had been a member of the Capital City Civitan Club where he was the first member to be named Civitan of the Year, was a member and deacon of St. Paul's Christian Church, and had been named a Life Member and Secretary Emeritus of Hiram Masonic Lodge #40, AF & AM where he had served as Master. Through his Masonic works, he also enjoyed membership in the Scottish Rites and York Rites Bodies, and was a charter member of the Amran Shrine Temple. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant sister, a brother, Tracy A. Watkins, a sister, Mary W. Lee, and a grandson, Hunter Smith. A loving husband and father, he is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jean Moore Watkins; three daughters, Barbara W. Smith and husband Stone of Mechanicsville, VA, and Anita W. Andersen and husband Glenn and Belinda W. Flynn and husband Patrick, all of Edenton; a son, Daniel W. Watkins and wife Paris of Richmond, VA; five grandchildren, Christina S. Fitch and husband Austin of Richmond, Tyler Smith of Mechanicsville, Alice C. Watkins of Fredericksburg, VA, and Curtis and Callie Baker of Edenton; two sisters, Mildred W. Whittlesey and Martha W. Tola; one brother, Carey D. Watkins, Jr.; and a niece, Faye L. Vinson. A memorial service will be held Sunday at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Miller Funeral Home & Crematory, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, by the Rev. Chris Aydlett. Inurnment will be a later date. Friends may join the family in the funeral home immediately following the service on Sunday, and all other times at the residence. The family asks that flowers be omitted and contributions in his memory be made to The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, 600 College St., Oxford, NC 27565. (www.mhc-oxford.org) Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.