Mt. Airy Hall of Fame- Robert "Zeke" Watkins

Robert “Zeke” Watkins

December 13, 1922 – April 29, 2000

BUSINESSMAN / COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER

Zeke was born in Woodville, Frederick County, and was raised in Mount Airy.  He was the son of Herman and Beatrice Watkins.  He was inducted into the United States Army in March of 1943, and completed his basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington.  He saw combat in Europe during WWII, earning the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.  Upon returning from Europe, Zeke worked in the induction center at Fort Meade,Maryland.  He was an Army Recruiter for both the Frederick and Westminster office before his retirement in 1963.  

He was a life member of the Mount Airy American Legion Gold Star Post #191 where he served as Commander in 1967.  He was a Charter / Life member of the Mount Airy VFW Post  #10076.  

Zeke had a great love for baseball.  He played and coached on the Mount Airy American Legion teams.  He was an assistant coach to Mr. Robert Sprague at Mount Airy High School. Along with Mr. Walter Spurrier, he was instrumental in establishing the Mount Airy Little League Program where he coached for many years.  He was especially interested in the youth of the community and having positive activities for their participation.  

He was a member of the Mount Airy Lions Club and was instrumental in obtaining transportation for the mentally challenged children to ride to their school located in Wildwood Park, Mount Airy.    

Upon leaving the Army in 1963 he purchased Smith’s Bowling Alley on Main Street in Mount Airy.  In 1967 the bowling alley business was moved to a new building located on Center Street.  Zeke saw a need for youth bowling and established a Saturday morning league that continues today.  

In 1976 Zeke sold the business and he relocated to Largo, Florida in 1979.  He worked as a supervisor for Goodwill Industries for the next thirteen years.

Zeke married his sweetheart Dorothy Gartrell on February 27, 1943.  They are the parents of Janet, Robert, Jr., Ted, Charlie and Bobby.  Sadly missed, Zeke will be remembered by all the youth he mentored.