David Christopher Watkins

David Christopher Watkins passed away peacefully after a 20 year, courageous fight with Hairy Cell Leukemia. David was born in Greensboro, NC on June 14, 1938 to Allen H. Watkins and Elizabeth Adams Watkins. He grew up in Sedgefield on the Donald Ross Golf Course and became a scratch golfer. David was a man of many talents and interests. He got his pilot’s license at age 16 then later got his commercial license. He enjoyed flying his twin engine AeroCommander on many family adventures. He was a collector of many things and could fix most anything (a skill he loved passing on to his grandchildren). He had a band in high school and was an excellent drummer. David attended the Baylor School, University of North Carolina and graduated from Guilford College. David was with the Interstate Group (Investments V.P.) for many years. David was a member of Capital City Club Highlands Country Club and the Honors Course in Chattanooga, TN. His most important asset though was his concern and devotion to his immediate and extended family.

He will be remembered for his anonymous generosity and kindness to people in need that he encountered day to day in all walks of life. David loved golf trips, flying, gin rummy, having lunch with his many friends in Atlanta and Highlands, NC and puttering around his home in Highlands.

David is survived by his wife of 56 years, Betty; daughter and “light of his life”, Stewart (Anders) Forsbrand; his beloved grandchildren, Alexander and Margaux Forsbrand ; brother, Buddy (Margaret Rose) of Greensboro, NC; niece, Kitty (Will) Watkins Syndor of Greensboro, NC; nephew, Hunter (Yuki) Watkins of Brooklyn, NY; cousins, Jere (Elsa) Ayers, Betty (Bill) Hicks; and his wife’s brothers, nieces and nephews, whom he considered part of his family also. David is predeceased by his brother, John A. (Mary) Watkins. There will be a casual celebration of David’s life at Capital City Club Brookhaven on Thursday June 30th 2pm-4pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cashiers Highlands Humane Society, P.O. Box 638, Cashiers, NC 28717, to the Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 31, Room 3A11, 31 Center Drive, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, Specify: Hairy cell Leukemia research Dr. Robert Krietman Lab or to the Sloane Kettering NY, Specify Dr. Marty Tallman, Hairy Cell Leukemia Research.