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To celebrate the life, legacy and service of Mr. Romie Watkins Jr. and to extend our deepest condolences to his family on the occasion of his passing, Tuesday August 21, 2021.
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WHEREAS, the members of Columbus City Council extend this resolution of expression to honor the life, legacy, and service of Mr. Romie Watkins Jr. who passed-away on Tuesday, August 21, 2021; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Romie Watkins Jr. was born on February 8, 1932, in Spartanburg, South Carolina to Mr. and Mrs. Romie and Eselle Watkins Sr. - moving to Columbus at the age of 9 - Romie attended Champion Middle School and East High School where he was mentored and coached by William “Cy” Butler; and
WHEREAS, Romie in his early years, was an athlete who enjoyed tennis - however the City of Columbus and his friends will remember him for being a member of the 1951 East High School Tiger State Championship Basketball Team, the first State Championship in the Schools storied history - later Romie received the distinction of being honored by area coaches as one of the top ten greatest basketball players to play in Central Ohio; he was also inducted into the Jump 21 Hall of Fame; sadly none of the members of the East High School State Basketball Championship Team received any scholarship offers; and
WHEREAS, Romie was a member of the East High School graduating Class of 1952; after finishing high school he embarked upon a life of service, becoming a member of the United States Airforce in 1952 serving his country with distinction - Romie, an outgoing person, known for being the life of the party, married the love of his life Ms. Barbara Jeanne Watkins on December 11, 1965; and
WHEREAS, Romie will be remembered for his business skills and ability to build things; he owned and managed Watkins Trash Collection Services which he started in the 1960’s and ran until the 1990’s; he also worked for National Coil, Columbus Metropolitan Housing, and in his social time was an active member of t...
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