Our Roots

Community

Franklin D. Watkins

We are grateful to the generous contributions that our Partners have made to The Alliance. Our Partners include large corporations, medium and small businesses and professionals from the worlds of academia through professional sports. Through their willingness to share in our mission, The Alliance has continued to grow and expand our programs to serve even greater numbers of young men. Our Partners are encouraged to support others that support us! If you too share our vision, please join us in “Extending our Legacy to the next generation!” 2018/19 Sponsorship Packet are available.

Franklin D. Watkins

Mr. Franklin D. Watkins was born January 8, 1945 in Columbia, South Carolina. He was the son of the late Deacon and Mrs. Leroy (Beatrice Harris) Watkins. On Saturday, August 24, 1991, he departed this earthly life in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

At an early age he joined the Ridgewood Baptist Church and later became affiliated with Harris A.M.E. Zion Church in Harrisburg, PA.

He was a graduate of C. A. Johnson High School, he later attended Allen University of Columbia, South Carolina. He received his Associate Degree from Harrisburg Community College in Pennsylvania.

He was employed by the United States Navy in the Ship Parts Control Center in Mechanicsburg, PA for nineteen years. He was a Master Sergeant in the United States Army Reserve. Mr. Watkins was honored with many awards and citations from his employment as well as the United States Army Reserve.

“Frank” as he was affectionately called, was very active in the community and civic affairs, particularly those that involved young people. He was a little league basketball coach for many years. At the time of his death, he was a coach with YMCA Youth Basketball League in Harrisburg, PA.

Mr. Franklin D. Watkins leaves precious memories in the hearts of many, his loving wife, Mrs. Thomasina Alston Watkins of Harrisburg, PA; three sons, Mr. Dearaney S. Watkins of Harrisburg, PA, Mr. Cedrick Watkins of Philadelphia, PA, and Mr. Paul Dreher of San Francisco, CA; one granddaughter; Ms. Kianna Watkins of Harrisburg, PA and one grandson Mr. Jamir Dreher of San Francisco, CA; three sisters, the late Mrs. Barbara W. Samuels, Ms. Beverly Watkins of Columbia, SC, and the late Elizabeth Tucker of Columbia, SC. Messrs. the late Leroy Watkins Jr., Charles E., Romeo, and Willie L. Watkins, all of Columbia, SC; father and mother-in-law, Mr. And Mrs. Isiah Alston of North Charleston, SC; aunts, uncles, brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends, all of whom will miss him dearly.

"We are thankful for the things you are; And for the things you’ve done. To make one world a better place; Our lives happier one. We are hoping you will understand; We are very proud and glad; To have someone as wonderful as; You to call our DAD"

Cedrick Watkins and Dearaney Watkins.