Billy H. Watkins, 85, of Madison, NC passed Sunday, October 26, 2025. The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m.β 12:00 p.m. Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Mayo Missionary Baptist Church, 3554 Horsepasture Price Road, Ridgeway, VA. with the "Celebration of Lifeβ 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. β 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.
Dmitri Stockton sent Mixed Spray for Billy Hampton Watkins - October 30, 2025
Dmitri Stockton sent Pink Tribute Spray for Billy Hampton Watkins - October 30, 2025
Mary Reynolds-Hairston planted 5 trees in memory of Billy Hampton Watkins . - October 29, 2025
Sending my deepest condolences to the Watkins family. May God strengthen and comfort you all . Sending my love and prayers
I am so saddened to hear the news of Billy's passing. Sending love, hugs and prayers of comfort in the days and weeks ahead.
True Servants never miss an opportunity to be a blessing to those which cross their path. For we never know whom we are passing therefore we treat them all with the utmost respect. Those of us that have been bless to know Mr. Billy know that he never passed up an opportunity to be a blessing and he did it unto the least....Therefore I can imagine that God is well pleased and welcome him in with open arms saying..... Well done thy good and faithful servant. Thou have been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things enter thou into the joy of the lord.... A key Quote that I will share.... "Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by what you bring to life". Rest easy Sir in paradise! God continue to bless the family and give them the strength they need...
Darryl Smith
Praying π for the family. May God strengthen your hearts π daily.
My Deepest Condolences To The Watkins Family! Praying For The Family Doing This Difficult Time.
Our prayers and condolences to the family on Billy's passing.
May the family accept my sincere condolences for the passing of our beloved Brother Billy. May God continue to heal your hearts as you go through these difficult days ahead. ππΎππΎππΎ
Sending lots of love,hugs and heartfelt prayers to the family. Mr. Billy you will most definitely be missed. Love Always,Latoya Dillard
Condolences to the Watkins Family. We are so sorry for your loss of a loving father, and Faithful Life Partner. In your time of sorrow, may God give each of you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
We send our sincere heartfelt Condolences to the family. We are praying for Gods Blessings and care during this difficult time. Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth A. Florence
To the family of Mr. Billy Watkins, My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time of bereavement. Billy was a pillar in the Goodwill Community. You could always find him doing what the lord tells all of us to do," Love Thy Neighbor !" No job was to big or small for him to do. Billy was a man and a gentleman in all aspects of his life. Tall in statue, strong in strength but one that I know as a gentle giant. If there was sickness, death, or celebrations, you could always find Malissa and Billy there supporting the community with love. Affectionately called, Uncle Billy, by me, take your rest. You will be remembered with great respect and admiration.
Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. I am so sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss. Please know you're in our thoughts and prayers.
To the Watkins family from the Scales family. Praying peace, love and hope surround you during this difficult time. We stand in prayer for your healing.
With Prayer & Sympathy to Sister Malisia, Utasha, Princess and the entire family in the loss Deacon Billy Watkins. In your time of sorrow, may God's presence bring you peace and comfort as He gives strength for today and hope for tomorrow. Regenia F. Spencer
Princess & Family, you have our heartfelt condolences in the homegoing of your father. May you and your love ones draw strength from the Precious Holy Spirit during this time of bereavement. Continued prayers for your comfort!
Mrs. Watkins and family, we extend our condolences on the passing of Mr. Billy. We pray God continues to comfort you and meet your every need. Teresa Kellam-Gilchrist, Doris Kellam and Family
To the Watkins' family, I am sorry for your loss. Mr. Billy was a great man whom I worked with at Rouses. I am praying that God wraps his loving arms around you all for comfort and strength during this difficult time.
Condolences to Watkins Family sorry for your loss praying that God will give peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Prayers for peace and comfort for Malisia, Utasha, and Princess. May your memories be a source of strength. Judith Fowler
May God's Blessings of peace and comfort surround Mrs. Malisia Watkins and family.
So Sorry to hear of your loss. May the peace of our savior LORD JESUS CHRIST be with you. And may Joyful memories be forever with you. Helena Scales
My sincere condolences to you, Malisia,Utasha,Princess, the Mayo Missionary Baptist Church family, and all other family members. I pray that God will strengthen you and keep you during this time of grief and beyond.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.