Kenneth “Kenny” Watkins

REIDSVILLE, NC - Mr. Kenneth Murray Watkins, age 72, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at Moses Cone Hospital.

Honoring his request, no public viewing will be held. 

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, November 18, 2026 at 1 p.m. from the McLaurin-Harris Memorial Chapel, 721 East Morehead Street, Reidsville, NC.

“Kenny” as he was affectionately called was born in Caswell County, NC on February 11, 1954 to the late Lewis and Mattie Sue Blackwell Watkins.

He was educated in the local public schools and graduated from Bartlett Yancey Senior High School in Yanceyville, NC where he played on the varsity football team. He later joined the National Guard and was honorably discharged.

For several years, he worked for Goodyear Tire & Rubber in Danville, VA before becoming a truck driver.

Kenny was a jack of all trades and could work on anything including working many years in farming with his parents. He was also a jokester and could make you laugh about anything.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Kelli Watkins Lewis.

He is survived by his son, Jeffrey Watkins (Patrice); spouse, Margaret Nesmith Watkins; siblings: Rev. Larry Watkins (Shirley), Jean Mobley and Kathy Watkins; a host of stepchildren, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Service by McLaurin-Harris