Melvin "Buddy" Lee Watkins Jr.

Melvin “Buddy” Lee Watkins Jr. passed away peacefully on March 24, 2026. He was born December 10, 1960, raised in Wilmington, North Carolina, Buddy was the beloved son of Melvin Lee Watkins Sr. and Ruby Mae Davis Watkins, and a devoted brother to Sherry Arnold.

A proud graduate of Laney High School, Buddy went on to attend and graduate from Cape Fear Community College. With a strong work ethic and a passion for craftsmanship, he built a respected career as a Master Carpenter. For 25 years, he owned and operated his own carpentry business and later served as a superintendent for Commercial Building inc. for 20 years.

Buddy’s legacy can be seen across numerous military bases, where his skill and dedication left a lasting mark. His work was also featured in the St. James community and recognized with a photo publication in Southern Living magazine.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Buddy was a proud Mason and a member of the SOC, he also became a Beekeeper which he enjoyed. He was a devoted husband to Teresa Cale Watkins, with whom he shared 17 loving years of marriage until her passing from cancer in 2021.

Buddy leaves behind a loving family consisting of his children Amanda Kate Watkins, Sara Elizabeth (Watkins) Benton, Anna Griffith Munna, and Ryan Lee Watkins; and one cherished granddaughter, Elizabeth Kate Benton, and his bird Max, his beloved cat Jesus and his grandpuppies Leo, Ruby, and Ozark.

Family meant everything to Buddy. He was an involved and supportive father, coaching and sponsoring his daughters’ softball team and his son’s little league team. He was also part-owner of the Paradise Hunting Club, where he loved spending time hunting and camping with his family.

Buddy was an adventurer at heart. He rafted the white waters of Tennessee, marveled at wild horses on the Outer Banks, and traveled to Hawaii and Cancun, Mexico. His hunting trips took him across Mississippi and Georgia, always surrounded by the ones he loved.

Buddy will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his craftsmanship, and his adventurous spirit.

Visitation will be held from 12:00pm to 2:00pm on Monday March 30, 2026 at Coble Funeral and Cremation Service, 1155 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, NC 28412.

Funeral Service will start at 2:00pm in the Coble Chapel. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.coblegreenlawn.com