Billy H. Watkins, 85, of Madison, NC passed Sunday, October 26, 2025. The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m.– 12:00 p.m. Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Mayo Missionary Baptist Church, 3554 Horsepasture Price Road, Ridgeway, VA. with the "Celebration of Life” will beginning at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Public viewing will be held, Friday, October 31, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Perry-Spencer Funeral Home, 402 Short Ave. Madison, NC.

Billy Hampton Watkins was born March 6,1940 to the late Charlie Edward Watkins and Helen smith Watkins in Price, NC. Billy grew up in Price, NC known today as Stoneville, NC. He attended the public schools in Rockingham County and graduated from Charles Drew High School in Madison, NC.

He volunteered for he the United States Army in 1963. Stationed in Europe, he played sports and trained to become a heavy weight boxer. During his tenure as a boxer, he won 35 fights and lost 4 out of the 39 total he fought. Twenty-nine4 of these were TKO's (Technical Knockouts). Fraternally he became a Master Mason of Lodge #563 of Madison, NC and a member of the Royal Arch W.S. Carter #85.

Bill was united in marriage to Malisia Mae Reynolds on December 24, 1966. They were blessed with two daughters: Dr. Utasha Watkins and Princess Watkins. He was a loving husband, father and a dutiful provider for his family. The couple were married for 59 years until his demise.

Billy began his work experience on the family farm. Tobacco was the main crop that assisted in providing the livelihood for the family. The family cut timber and raised swine to help supplement the family income. He was employed at Pine Hall Brick for a short time after graduating High School. Other employments included RJR Tobacco Company for approximately 15 years, Duke Energy for approximately 20 years and lastly Rouse's Group Home for approximately 6 years

Billy confessed his love for Christ and was baptized in the Mayo River at an early age. Later in 1971, he rededicated his life to begin serving his church.

Billy enjoyed boxing and playing baseball, softball and football. He enjoyed watching any of the teams and cheered for them all. He also had a love for nature. He enjoyed hunting in the mountains and spending time in the fields of his farm. But above all, his favorite activity was finding something sweet to eat.

Billy entered God's Kingdom on October 26, 2025 at Trinty Glen Long Term Care Facility in Winston Salem, North Carolina.

Billy leaves his immediate family to cherish his memory: Malisia Watkins, Dr. Utasha Watkins, Princess Watkins, Danny Scales (Shelby) and Madelyn Scales; Sisters-in-law: Laura Torain, Virginia Reynolds and Helen Cooper. Brothers-in-law; Zack Reynolds (Mary), Henry Reynolds (Jeanette), Franklin Reynolds (Marilyn); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Special thanks to faithful visitor, LaMark Redd and caretaker, Minister Mary Hayes Martin.