Thomas E. Watkins

A visitation/walk through for Thomas will be held Thursday, December 16, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Cummings & Davis Funeral Home, 13201 Euclid Avenue, East Cleveland, Ohio 44112. A wake will occur Friday, December 17, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at University Church of Christ, 1885 E. 89th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44106. A home going service will occur Friday, December 17, 2021 at 11:00 AM at University Church of Christ, 1885 E. 89th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44106. An interment will occur Friday, December 17, 2021 at 1:30 PM at Lakeview Cemetery, 12316 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cummingsanddavisfh.com for the Watkins family.

Thomas Earl Watkins was born on November 6, 1941, in Repton, Alabama to Aquilla Lett and R.C. Watkins. Thomas graduated from JF Shields High School in Alabama. He joined the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Campbell, 101st Airborne Division in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. He was proud of his service to this country and often talked about his days as a paratrooper. While stationed there, Thomas met and fell in love with his future wife, Birdie Pollard. He accepted Christ as his personal savior and was baptized at the Adams Avenue Church of Christ.

Thomas and Birdie moved to Cleveland, Ohio in 1966 and they were married on April 29, 1967. To this union, two children were born, Melanice “Cherie” and Eric. Thomas and Birdie remained married for 44 until she passed away in January 2011. Even though the last 16 of those 44 years she was unable to care for herself, he stayed by her side.

Thomas spent his career as a pipefitter for General Motors and after 34 years and 11 months, he retired in 2002.

During his retirement years, Thomas enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren every chance he got. He looked forward to the many family holiday gatherings where he was smiling and always had a story to tell. He was affectionately known as “Big Daddy” by the grandkids whom he loved dearly and that love for him was reciprocated. Thomas had a beautiful smile and deep dimples. He always greeted everyone with his infectious smile and a current event to spark conversation and/or debate. He was kind, caring and extremely generous and always willing to help those in need even if it meant he had to go without. He prided himself on staying informed about politics, local and world news, as well as sports and entertainment news. He was definitely “in the know” when it came to current events.

The one common thing that everyone shared about Thomas was how friendly he was and how big and beautiful his smile was. His favorite past-time was going to Miles Market, Market District, Dave’s Supermarket and Walmart daily. Not only did he visit these stores for shopping, they were also part of his daily socialization. Everyone knew “Tom” (as they fondly referred to him).

Thomas was preceded in death by his wife, Birdie Watkins, mother, Aquilla Salter, father, R.C. Watkins, grandson, Anthony Myhand, sister, Mary Jo Moultrie, brother-in-law, Deacon Angelo Moultrie and niece, Anita Watkins.

After a short illness, God saw that Thomas was tired, so he took him into his loving arms on December 3, 2021. He leaves to forever celebrate and cherish his life: sons, David W., Paul E., and Eric R.; daughters Latresa “Tresa” D., Yvette “Gyna” R., Melanice “Cherie” (Arthur); grandsons, DaRell (Ivy), Kevin, Tino (Abby), Brandon, TreChaun (Layla), Arthur “AJ” (Sarah) and Darian; granddaughters, Tameka, Rashida, Dawn, Tiara (Germaine), Kamarri, Kimberly and Arneisha; twenty-one great-grandchildren; a dear and special nephew, Christopher (Carolyn) Watkins; companion, Marsha Knowles of St. Louis, Missouri; three brothers-in law and three sisters-in-law; his Streetsboro Church of Christ family; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, all of whom he dearly loved.