Dozens of members of the ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ community gathered at the edge of Lake Mary Nell to remember university automotive mechanic Ed Watkins.
[/caption]Friends, family members and former co-workers gathered at ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ’s Lake Mary Nell on Aug. 13 to dedicate a bench in memory of Ed Watkins, an automotive mechanic in the university’s Physical Plant and a highly-regarded member of the ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ community.
Watkins, a seven-year employee of the university, died April 18, 2014, following a boating accident as he fished on a Caswell County lake a few miles north of campus. His sudden passing shook his close-knit group of colleagues in the Physical Plant, many of whom joined dozens of other ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ employees in attendeding the dedication ceremony.
“We dedicate a bench in Ed’s honor and memory, and as a way of keeping his presence close to us at ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ,” university Chaplain Jan Fuller said. “May Ed’s presence be remembered here with humor and honor, with tender thanksgiving.”
Ed’s mother, Margie Watkins, is a program assistant in Greek Life. She sat with Ed’s father, Brice, and his sister on the bench during the dedication.
“It is a special blessing to work at ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ,” Margie Watkins said to the crowd gathered at the ceremony. “Ed loved working here and created a special love for those he worked with.”
Known to his co-workers as “Big Ed,” Watkins was remembered as being both playful and a hard worker.
“He thoroughly enjoyed finding something to pick on everyone about,” Margie Watkins said.
Co-workers who spoke at the dedication shared humorous stories about Ed, and characterized him as gentle, dependable, a stellar cook and a hard worker.
“I’m just thankful to have this opportunity to thank you on behalf of the family for being special to him,” Margie Watkins said.