Richard Plaski Watkins

October 4, 1940 - August 6, 2022
Richard Plaski Watkins

Memorial Gifts & Donations


Richard Plaski Watkins, age 81 a life-long resident of Wilmington passed away on Saturday, August 6, 2022 at Novant Health at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

Richard was born on October 4, 1940, in Wilmington.

Richard was retired as a Building Supervisor with Raysand Building Corporation with 40 year of service. He was a member of Long Leaf Baptist Church, Wilmington Lodge #319 A.F.&A.M., Sudan Shrine Center, the Arab Shriners Choo Choo, the Wilmington Shrine Club and the Wilmington BPO Elks Club.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife of over 40 years, Jacqueline Preston Watkins who passed away June 22, 2000. Also preceded in death by his parents, Edward Watson Watkins, Sr and Mary Louise Mintz Watkins; sisters, Mary Gurganous, Ella Lavern Bordeaux and Odessa Berkshire; and brothers, Edward Watkins, Jr., and Major Watkins; and great granddaughter, Bailey Louise Long.

He is survived by his three daughters, Charlotte Zurcher (Steve), Diana Watkins, and Stacey Goins; grandchildren, Richard Goins, Lela Goins, Kimberly Long, Jessica Long Russ, Steven Zurcher, II (Corinne) and Cody Zurcher (Maria); 14 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren; sister, Faye Brown (Wilbur); and his special friend, Connie Casteen.

A Memorial Service will be 11 am Tuesday, August 16, 2022, at Long Leaf Baptist Church 317 Shipyard Blvd., Wilmington NC 28412 led by Pastor Joshua Reilly. Masonic Funeral Rites will be accorded by Wilmington Lodge #319 A.F.&A.M.

In lieu of flowers to honor the memory of Richard, memorials can be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children in care of Sudan Shriners PO Box 12829, New Bern, NC 28561.

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Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910-791-9099.

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