Albert Benjamin Watkins

Albert Benjamin (Al) Watkins

Albert Benjamin Watkins succumbed to cancer at age 76 on Thursday, July 21st, 2017. He was born in Greenwood, SC on April 7, 1941 to Wilbur and Neta (Outzs) Watkins, who preceded him in death. His brother Jack and sister Mildred also preceded him in death. He completed his elementary and high school years in Greenwood. He is survived by his wife Salliejean (Skinner) Watkins of Fort Mill, and step-sons John Deahl (Brad) of Tybee Island. GA, Eric Deahl (Louise) of Lexington, SC, Steven Deahl (Theresa) of Huntsville, AL and Joseph Deahl (Denise) of Clover, SC. He is also survived by seven step-grandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren and two nephews.
Al followed a career in visual merchandising after graduating from high school. He worked for J.C. Penny's and Belk's for years, retiring from Belk's. After a short time in retirement, he was a produce manager for Winn Dixie in Charlotte. The last five years part-time in Season Passes at Carowinds, and always looked forward to summers when he was employed there.
Al loved working in his yard and helping other people with yard work and landscaping. He often said he loved his step-sons as if they were his own sons. His greatest joy was serving the Lord in his church family at Ascension Lutheran in Charlotte, NC. He sang with the choir at times, served as a Lay Minister, Stephen Minister, and Stephen Leader. Al was the "soup maker" for the Soup Kitchen at Ascension when it first opened it's doors. He was also active in the Via de Cristo community. He loved people, and especially children, saying he never grew out of his childhood himself.
A memorial service will be held at Ascension Lutheran Church in Charlotte at the corner of East Morehead Street and Kenilworth Avenue on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Al's memory to the American Cancer Society or Ascension Lutheran Soup Kitchen.

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