Title
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.
Body
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 the Cavaliers Club; and
WHEREAS, Romie was known for his adventurous spirit; he loved his family and enjoyed entertaining and spending time on his boat and taking trips in his RV; and
WHEREAS, Romie leaves a legacy of leadership and service that this community will cherish and a void which will be missed - he is survived by his devoted wife, Barbara, daughter Denise M. and her husband Curtis Martin; son Romie III and his wife Renee Watkins; son John Watkins; daughter Mia Prewitt and her husband Jessie; Grandchildren: Halle, Jesse III, “Bud”, Tianna, Tiffany, Kasey, Pam, Juanita, Ronnie IV, Bonita, Dawnee, and Wendell; Great Grandchildren: Rianna, Omarion, Kamari, Jay Marie, Alexis, and Naomi; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins relatives and friends; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby celebrate the life, legacy and service of Mr. Romie Watkins Jr. and extend our deepest condolences to his family on the occasion of his passing, Tuesday August 21, 2021.