RUFFIN - Mr. Julius Watlington, age 84, departed this life in the early morning hours on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at his residence.

Public viewing will begin on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 from 12 until 8 p.m. at McLaurin-Harris Funeral Home, 721 East Morehead Street, Reidsville, NC.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 1 p.m. at New Ephesus Missionary Baptist Church, 8939 US Hwy 158 W, Ruffin, NC. The family visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. Pastor, Reverend E. Lamar Boykin officiating.

The committal and interment will follow in the church cemetery.

You may live stream the service via https://www.youtube.com/@McLaurin-Harris_Live The entire service will also be posted on the McLaurin-Harris Funeral Home Facebook page.

"Pappy" better known as "Drag" was the youngest of eight children, he was born and raised in the farming community of Caswell County, NC. At the age of eight, his loving mother, Nannie Beth, passed away. He was raised by his father, Lindsay, and a brother in their family home. He did not want for attention because he was blessed with three older brothers, four sisters and their families.

Julius attended Caswell County Training School. He resided in the township of Ruffin all his life. Growing up, he worked on the farm with his father and brothers.

After working as a welder in Reidsville, NC, he worked for The American Tobacco Company for 21 years and retired from there. His favorite pastime was playing baseball, hunting, and fishing. After marrying his beloved wife Garrie Ann Watlington, Julius became a member of the New Ephesus Baptist Church. He was one of the first members of New Ephesus Male Chorus formed in 1992. He was kind, patient and jovial. He was loved by his extended family with whom he would spend time, tell funny jokes, and play games. In his earlier day, when his nieces and nephews would visit his family home, they would always ask: "Where is Uncle Julius?" He was always the "fun" uncle who took time to visit with and entertain family.

Julius was predeceased by his parents-Lindsay and Nannie Watlington; his loving wife, Garrie Ann Watlington; son, Julius Watlington, Jr.; three brothers: James, Sanford, Herman; four sisters: Catherine, Alice, Dora, Lucy.

Left to cherish his memory are: daughters, Danielle Watlington; Tora Simpson (aka sugafoot); Kaye Moore; son, Gregory Baize (Alisa); devoted best friend James (Joe) Jones; grandsons Douglas, Scott, Tallius, Walter; granddaughters, Danielle, Julisa, Takiye; two great grandchildren; special nephew, Larry Henderson and a host of other nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Service by McLaurin-Harris.