Thomas Alton Watkins, Jr., was born and reared in Portsmouth Virginia. He graduated from Hampton University, formerly known as Hampton Institute, in 1948 with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education. While at Hampton, "Beanie" as he is known to many, excelled in track, football, and basketball. In 1950, Tom completed his Master’s Degree in Industrial Management at NYU. "Beanie" was initiated in 1949 in Omicron Chapter at Columbia University, where he served as Vice Polemarch. While a member of Brooklyn-Long Island Alumni he was elected Polemarch, a position he also held with New Rochelle-White Plains Alumni from 1992-1994. Tom served on the Northeastern Province Board of Directors and was the recipient of the Northeast Province’s Alumni Achievement Award. As Brother Thomas A. Watkins, Jr. reached that 50th year in Kappa he only asked that we try to extend our outreach and do it more effectively.

Tom has lead an interesting and diversified life. He was a machinist in the Portsmouth, Virginia Shipyard; Mercanthaler Linotype Company, and at the Bulova Watch Company in New York. He served as Department Head of Mechanical Engineering art Prairie View A & M College in Texas; Technical Engineering Writer of the U.S. Department of Defense; Associate Director of Youth In Action (War on Poverty) and as Executive Director of one of New York City’s Economic Development Council Programs. When his country called Tom responded. He served with distinction as a Machinist Mate in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Tom has always been a child advocate and social activist. Despite full time positions with both the Union Carbide Company where he held a position in Human Resources Management and a later stint with Chicago Pneumatic Tool in Marketing & Logistics Management, Tom continued to embrace and serve his community. He was elected to Vice President of the B.O.C.E.S. board (Southern Westchester Board of Cooperative Education Services) where he served for 10 years making a difference in the lives of countless children and adults. For fifteen years Tom served as chairman of the Board of Directors of the Grace Community Center in White Plains, which operates a Homeless Shelter, a Child Day Care Center, a Soup Kitchen, and a program for the frail and elderly. For his dedication and relentless support of the homeless, hungry and less fortunate, Tom received the coveted Mickey Leland Award.

On the ecumenical level, Tom as been a Vestryman in three Dioceses of the Episcopal Church and continues his personal and social ministry and mission as President of SHORE, a program dedicated to providing low-income housing. He is an advisory board member of the Bridge Fund, which gives assistance to those facing possible eviction.

Tom enjoys listening to classical and seasonal sacred music, which he gained an appreciation for while singing in the Hampton Choir. Tom was married to LaVerne Watkins who was in his graduating class, and who served as Associate Executive Director of the Cardinal McCloskey School and Home. She preceded him in death. They have two sons and a daughter. Tom was a faithful member and active alumni of Hampton University. He strongly believed that active alumni can make a difference in educational outcomes and that all persons should "Let Their Lives Do the Singing." Brother Watkins most often represented his chapter’s highest ideals, always bringing a sense of balance, objectivity, reflection and reason. May you continue on your journey of service for God and all things good in Kappa.

The Entire Staff of Lee's Funeral Home, LLC respects that the family of Thomas A. Watkins, Jr. entrusted the care of their loved one to us, and that they value the level of service & attention our funeral home provides. We are honored, in turn, to provide comfort, assistance and service to the family of Thomas A. Watkins, Jr. during their time of bereavement.

Obituary for Thomas Alton Watkins Jr.

Affiliations