Obituary of King Watkins

WATKINS, King Jr. Age 55 of 369 East Center St., Elmira, N.Y. He was born November 14, 1963 in Elmira, NY, son of the late King Watkins Sr. and late Connie Jo Watkins-Suarez and passed away Friday July 6, 2018 unexpectedly at Arnot Ogden Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his parents and sister Lisa Ann Watkins and brother-in-law Lawrence L Harris, Uncle Colonel Watkins Jr. and granddaughter Areyanna Bennet. King Jr. is survived by his children Shanice M. Watkins, King E. Watkins III, Ryan Jordan Bashore, Marcus Anthony Cardwell; step-daughter Brittany Root, special step-son Kyle Bashore, all of Elmira, NY; four grandchildren Ar'mani Marie Watkins of Elmira, Kyshawn Unique Fitzwater of Elmira, King Edward Watkins IV, and Ky'lianna Marie Watkins Xy'onna Root all of Elmira, NY. King was married to Bonnie (Root), now separated they still had a special connection. Also left to his memory are sister Angela Watkins - Harris of Elmira, sister Carrie (Harrison) Mitchell of Detroit, Michigan, brother Derek Watkins, sister Nicole Watkins of Elmira, sister Kalynn Watkins of Horseheads ; step-mother Michelle Watkins of Elmira; special nieces Mia Watkins, Marisa Watkins, & Chelsea Watkins along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles; best friends Chris Brooks, Alfonso Ciaccio, Barbara Ellis, Ron Hughey, Rex Peters; special cousins Johnathan Bradley, Charles Lynch, CJ Watkins and Jeff and Tamika Styles. King Watkins Jr. was a chef; his last employment was Aladdin's at Chemung CountyNursing Facility and prior to that, Mustico's and Kelly Surf and Turf. King Jr. loved being around family and hosting big barbeques. He also was a great fisherman and loved music. Special thanks to Associate Pastor Joann McGee for helping King find faith and comfort during his time in the hospital. Family and friends are invited to visit Shabach Tabernacle Church, 1133 Lake Street., Elmira on Monday, July 16, 2018. His funeral service will be held from 11:00 to 12:00 noon. Committal prayers and interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery.