Thomas E. Watkins Sr

Thomas Edwin Watkins was born November 14, 1940 to the late Thomas Hughes and Addie Smith Watkins in Mecklenburg, Virginia and went home to be with GOD on June 19, 2010. Thomas was the fifth of seven children; his siblings are Franklin Watkins, Estelle Harrison, Susan Watkins, Annie Ruth Roslien, Shirley Watkins (all deceased), and Delores Asamoah. As a young child, Thomas moved from Virginia to the Essex/ Dundalk Communities in Baltimore County Maryland area with his family until his teens when his Family moved to Baltimore City. Thomas received his high school diploma from Dunbar High School and at the age of seventeen enlisted into the United States Navy. A Boatswain Mate 2nd Class on the USS Enterprise 65 Thomas was part of the 1962 blockade around Cuba that stalled the attack the Communists had planned against America’s shores. Later as a Chief Petty Officer he drove MIC boats through the Mekong Delta during the Vietnam Conflict. In 1975 he tested and earned one of the highest ranks and enlisted man could receive; Senior Chief Petty Officer. While on the USS Francis Marion; 1979-1985. Thomas was the Senior Chief stationed in the Pac’s river. He retired with the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer with the Following achievements: a National Defense Service Medal, a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal, two Navy Unit Commendation Ribbons, a Republic of Vietnam Armed Force Meritorious Unit Citation, a Presidential Unit Citation, a Combat Action Ribbon, and a Good Conduct Award. Thomas retired from one branch of service and went to work as a civilian in another branch of government and began a new career. First he was a distribution officer for the Army, and later became the housing officer for the Navy in Washington, DC. It was during this time Thomas returned to college and earned an Associate of Arts degree in Mathematics from Harford Community College. He also attended Columbia Union College a Seventh Day of Adventist institution in Prince George, Maryland. Thomas met his wife Juanita in 1961 and through a cross oceanic/continental relationship; they dated for seven years until Thomas asked her to become his bride in 1968. From this union three children were born; Tyleach, Natasha, and Thomas Watkins II. On December of last year they celebrated their 41st Anniversary. A loving husband and father Thomas; although ill, enrolled his wife in the United States Baptist College and Seminary. For four years he took her to and from school until she earned her degree in Theology and was later licensed as a Minister. As a continuously supportive husband; Thomas helped to establish the family business as he gave The Early Learning & Development Center the look that we have come to know.

Tributes

Thomas E. Watkins Sr

November 14, 1940 - June 19, 2010