Joseph Watkins

He is Survived by family members who hold him dear to their hearts, his wife Evelyn Dale Watkins of 21 years, children, Kimberly Moore husband Ernest Sr, of Broadway, Tony Slaughter of Raleigh, and Patsy Slaughter of Garner. Grandchildren T J Oglesby Jr. and Megan Love and Husband Cannon of Apex, Brianna Slaughter and Joseph Slaughter of Benson, Jackson “Jack” Edwards of Garner. Jody was also survived by many nieces and nephews and great grandchildren. Jody is survived by his brother-in-law Bill Tharrington

Jody was always Kind, Genuine, Nice, Big-hearted, Forgiving, Fun loving, Sweet nature, Giving, Smart, Hardworking, Thrifty, and Dependable. Jody loved his family and friends.

Jody is and was loved by all who knew him and will be forever in our hearts. Jody was an electrician and master mechanic; he worked at Triple AAA Electric of Raleigh for 23 years, retired from McCarter Electric then worked at Red Barn of Clayton through his retirement years. Jody had an avid passion for NASCAR. Jody won many awards as a race car driver at Wake County Speedway for countless years.

Jody is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Lucy Bissett Watkins; brothers, Malachi Watkins, Freeman Watkins, Ralph Watkins, Herbert (Pete) Watkins, John Henry Watkins; Sisters, Ophelia (Sis) Bedingfield, Ruby Watkins Cox, Lucy Mae Watkins Tharrington.

A special thanks to nephew Frog Tharrington and wife Teresa for all they have done.

A celebration of Jody’s life will be held at McLaurin Funeral Home 12830 US 70 Business HWY W Clayton, NC 27520 (masks required), Friday, October 2, at 10 am. Visitation following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the animal rescue of your choice.