Celebrating the life of
Robert Yancey Watkins
February 14, 1927 - October 01, 2009
Robert Yancey Watkins
Robert Yancey Watkins, a 44 year resident of Savannah, passed away on October 1 at age 82, after a long illness. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marion Cantey Watkins, and daughter Roxanne Watkins Wilharm.
As a young man, Watkins loved athletics. He played football at Albany High School and, as guard, helped the team win the 1943 state championship. He served two years in the US Army at the Third Army Headquarters in Germany during WWII, rising to rank of Staff Sergeant.
After the war, he enrolled in Erskine College. There, he met his future bride, Marion, and was introduced to the YMCA as a future career. He graduated with a BS degree from Erskine in 1950 and began his work with the YMCA. Eventually, Yancey accepted the position of General Secretary and Director of the YMCA of Savannah, a post from which he retired in 1989. In addition to his local service, he traveled nationally and internationally on a variety of YMCA assignments.
He also served as a management training consultant for many local firms. He was active member in the International Management Council IMC and was the recipient of the IMC's Man of the Year Award. Yancey was a Rotarian for over 50 years.
Yancey was an avid genealogist and for years published the Watkins Family Newsletter. He served as past president of the Savannah Area Genealogical Association. He also helped raise funds for a number of local not-for-profit organizations. On June 13, 1989, former Mayor John Rousakis declared that date Yancey Watkins Day in Savannah.
Yancey Watkins was a member and elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Savannah, where he taught Bible classes for many years. He was also an instructor in the non-denominational Jail Ministry. He was an accomplished singer who loved to share this talent. He enjoyed singing to the residents of Azalealand Nursing Home, whom he visited often.
Yancey was a man could see the best in people. His mission within the YMCA was to help bring out this potential in everyone. When asked how he would like to be remembered, his answer was, "as a good man." He will surely be remembered that way.
He is survived by his daughter Wendy Watkins Gerken, son-in-law Tracy Gerken and two loving grandchildren, Molly and Clark Gerken, of Brunswick, GA; three brothers, Forrest Woody, Irvin and Howard Watkins, all living in Florida; as well as many good friends who loved him dearly.
Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, October 9, 2009 at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
Funeral Service will be 12:00 p.m., Saturday, October 10, 2009 at First Presbyterian Church, 520 E. Washington Ave, Savannah, GA.
Burial will be in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Thor Egede-Nissen, Chuck Parkinson, Larry Stuber and Rich Wittish. Honorary Pallbearers will be George Day, John McMasters, and Don Moore. All these men were members of the Yancey Club.
Remembrances to: YMCA of Coastal Georgia, P.O. Box 14142, Savannah, GA 31416.
Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
Dear cousin Wendy, and family, over the years...as Yancey's health declined... he was less and less on the internet and we lost touch with one another, and I have sorely missed Yancey's caring thoughts. My memory of Yancey? I bumped into Yancey in 1998 as I was searching for the correct WATKINS family group to research. For years, we had only the name of my Sarah's father, and the first name of her mother. It did not take me long before I knew that I had been doubly blessed with finding Yancey. I not only found myself quite suddenly knowing a wonderfully caring cousin, but also... the who-what-where of our WATKINS family history as well. Additionally, I was able to assist in correcting some long-held misconceptions about my specific line Reace WATKINS Sr. m. Sarah BARBER; their daughter Sarah WATKINS m. Levi CAMPBELL that left GA early in 1810 and landed in LA. On this point, Yancey and I burned up the internet back and forth and came to be friends. At this moment, 2011, I am doubly saddened. First, to learn today that Yancey is now singing in God's choir, and has been for awhile now. Second, to still have not discovered the answer to Yancey's puzzle, Keziah CAMPBELL m. Moses WATKINS. We do not yet know if Keziah was a sibling, a cousin, or not related to my Levi Campbell. We only know that several Campbell's married Watkins's...and that they might all have been family. Please know, that I will be continuing to solve Yancey's puzzle, as I go about solving a long list of puzzles. I know, that like my mother, Yancey is now in a position to know the answers to our puzzles...and that now...they are both rooting for me. HUGS Cousins, Lisa
- Lisa Grimes, Goldendale, WA
Wendy & Family, I was honored to work with Yancey at the YMCA. He was a strong leader, and mentor. From the handball court to dealing with folks with needs, Yancey was always on his A game. He was very influential in my life, and was very passionate about life. Thank you for sharing him with us. Yancey is with his Heavenly Father now, and at peace. I can imagine him on the front row of the heavenly choir singing with great joy. God bless you and your family, and be with you during this time of celebrating Yancey's life of giving to others. Jere
- Jere Van Puffelen, Danville, CA
Dear Wendy and Family, My family has known Yancey for over 45 years.My mother, Mildred Croom, worked for him as a YMCA secretary and he helped her become a YMCA Director. Wendy, you were the flower girl in our wedding 41 years ago. My how time has passed. Yancey will be remembered for the many wonderful things he did for the YMCA, but most of all he will be remembered for his amazing influence on the people he met in life.We loved his booming voice and we greatly admired his strong love and commitment to his family, friends, and God.
- Richard and Georgia Edwards, Savannah, GA
Dear Wendy and Family, We were very fortunate to have known Yancey for almost 40 years.He touched the lives of my family in many ways,from YMCA to IMC.He was a great friend and mentor to me throughout my management career.I will always remember the wonderful times we had together at IMC and I always looked forward to being with Yancey.He just made you feel good when you were in his company. He will be missed but always remembered. May God bless and stengthen you during this time. Fred and Claudette Griffin October 10,2009 Guyton, Ga.
- Fred Griffin, Guyton, GA
I have just learned of Yancey's passing and I share the sadness of his family and friends. Yet, as we all know, Yancey would want this to be a time of celebration and of good hope. Yancey was my friend for many years. He was also a confidant and a mentor, but most of all he was a man who cared about others. Oh how is loved his family and took such joy and pride in sharing them with you. He will be missed. I am grateful and thankful to have known Yancey and honored to be his friend Don Moore
- Don Moore, Brevard, NC
I was so saddened to hear of Uncle Yancy's death. Even though he was my 'Uncle' by marriage, he was always a special part of my life. He once told me that no matter how many times I got married or changed my name, I would always be a part of the Watkins' Family!! He used to call me once in awhile just to catch up. We always were able to talk for at least an hour about our family/extended families. He is surely sitting at the right-hand side of God!
- Peggy Watkins, Gilbert, AR
Wendy and Family ,All of us members of the Yancey Club will cherish the memories of our Johnnnie Harris lunches . Yancey hung in there even when he had to come in a wheel chair . Yancey helped me alot back in the early 1990's advising me and other key people at EMC Engineering on how we should manage and lead the company . We will all miss him but many of his management suggestions to EMC will continue .
- Larry M. Stuber, Savannah, GA
Wendy, please accept my deepest condolences. You've had a tough few years. My best to you, your family and the Watkins brothers. Anne Schumann
- Anne Bidez Schumann, Savannah, GA
Dear cousin Wendy, and family, over the years...as Yancey's health declined... he was less and less on the internet and we lost touch with one another, and I have sorely missed Yancey's caring thoughts. My memory of Yancey? I bumped into Yancey in 1998 as I was searching for the correct WATKINS family group to research. For years, we had only the name of my Sarah's father, and the first name of her mother. It did not take me long before I knew that I had been doubly blessed with finding Yancey. I not only found myself quite suddenly knowing a wonderfully caring cousin, but also... the who-what-where of our WATKINS family history as well. Additionally, I was able to assist in correcting some long-held misconceptions about my specific line Reace WATKINS Sr. m. Sarah BARBER; their daughter Sarah WATKINS m. Levi CAMPBELL that left GA early in 1810 and landed in LA. On this point, Yancey and I burned up the internet back and forth and came to be friends. At this moment, 2011, I am doubly saddened. First, to learn today that Yancey is now singing in God's choir, and has been for awhile now. Second, to still have not discovered the answer to Yancey's puzzle, Keziah CAMPBELL m. Moses WATKINS. We do not yet know if Keziah was a sibling, a cousin, or not related to my Levi Campbell. We only know that several Campbell's married Watkins's...and that they might all have been family. Please know, that I will be continuing to solve Yancey's puzzle, as I go about solving a long list of puzzles. I know, that like my mother, Yancey is now in a position to know the answers to our puzzles...and that now...they are both rooting for me. HUGS Cousins, Lisa
- Lisa Grimes, Goldendale, WA
Wendy & Family, I was honored to work with Yancey at the YMCA. He was a strong leader, and mentor. From the handball court to dealing with folks with needs, Yancey was always on his A game. He was very influential in my life, and was very passionate about life. Thank you for sharing him with us. Yancey is with his Heavenly Father now, and at peace. I can imagine him on the front row of the heavenly choir singing with great joy. God bless you and your family, and be with you during this time of celebrating Yancey's life of giving to others. Jere
- Jere Van Puffelen, Danville, CA
Dear Wendy and Family, My family has known Yancey for over 45 years.My mother, Mildred Croom, worked for him as a YMCA secretary and he helped her become a YMCA Director. Wendy, you were the flower girl in our wedding 41 years ago. My how time has passed. Yancey will be remembered for the many wonderful things he did for the YMCA, but most of all he will be remembered for his amazing influence on the people he met in life.We loved his booming voice and we greatly admired his strong love and commitment to his family, friends, and God.
- Richard and Georgia Edwards, Savannah, GA
Dear Wendy and Family, We were very fortunate to have known Yancey for almost 40 years.He touched the lives of my family in many ways,from YMCA to IMC.He was a great friend and mentor to me throughout my management career.I will always remember the wonderful times we had together at IMC and I always looked forward to being with Yancey.He just made you feel good when you were in his company. He will be missed but always remembered. May God bless and stengthen you during this time. Fred and Claudette Griffin October 10,2009 Guyton, Ga.
- Fred Griffin, Guyton, GA
I have just learned of Yancey's passing and I share the sadness of his family and friends. Yet, as we all know, Yancey would want this to be a time of celebration and of good hope. Yancey was my friend for many years. He was also a confidant and a mentor, but most of all he was a man who cared about others. Oh how is loved his family and took such joy and pride in sharing them with you. He will be missed. I am grateful and thankful to have known Yancey and honored to be his friend Don Moore
- Don Moore, Brevard, NC
I was so saddened to hear of Uncle Yancy's death. Even though he was my 'Uncle' by marriage, he was always a special part of my life. He once told me that no matter how many times I got married or changed my name, I would always be a part of the Watkins' Family!! He used to call me once in awhile just to catch up. We always were able to talk for at least an hour about our family/extended families. He is surely sitting at the right-hand side of God!
- Peggy Watkins, Gilbert, AR
Wendy and Family ,All of us members of the Yancey Club will cherish the memories of our Johnnnie Harris lunches . Yancey hung in there even when he had to come in a wheel chair . Yancey helped me alot back in the early 1990's advising me and other key people at EMC Engineering on how we should manage and lead the company . We will all miss him but many of his management suggestions to EMC will continue .
- Larry M. Stuber, Savannah, GA
Wendy, please accept my deepest condolences. You've had a tough few years. My best to you, your family and the Watkins brothers. Anne Schumann
- Anne Bidez Schumann, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
