Arthur Lee Watkins, 77, transitioned from this life on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at Atrium Health – Wake Forest Baptist in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He was born on November 17, 1944 in Forsyth County, North Carolina to the late Reverend Willie Watkins, Sr. and Beulah Settle Watkins.

He received his formal education from the Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools. Arthur was a proud veteran, serving in the Army branch of the armed forces during the Vietnam Conflict. After leaving the service, he worked for RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company as a Forklift Operator.

Later in life he became a "Black Belt" in Karate, and he instructed many young people in the art. Even though he did not have children of his own, he touched the lives of many children. He also possessed a great zeal and love for sports, especially football and basketball. In his leisure time he was an avid fisherman.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Reverend Willie Watkins, Sr. and Beulah Settle Watkins and a brother, Reverend Willie Watkins, Jr.

Mourning his loss is his sister, Mrs. Sadie Watkins Edwards of Winston-Salem, North Carolina and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

His life will be honored 11:00 A.M. Friday, April 29, 2022 from the chapel of Roberts Funeral Service (Winston-Salem). Interment will follow at 1:00 P.M. at Salisbury National Cemetery in Salisbury, North Carolina. Public viewing will only be held the morning of the funeral service. In every effort to protect our client families, sanitizing, facial coverings and or masks are required for the service.