Robert A. Watkins, Jr., 90, of Dartmouth died September 25, 2022 at the New Bedford Jewish Convalescent Home.
He was the husband of Rillis M. (Johnson) Watkins and father of Robbie D. Watkins.
He was born in New Bedford, son of the late Robert A. and Mary A. (Daher) Watkins. Over the years he lived in Chicago IL, Teaneck NJ, Highland Park IL, and Stamford CT.
Robert started his football career playing at Ohio State University, under the mentorship of Woody Hayes. He soon became a star running back and eventually took OSU to the Rose Bowl. In NFL, Robert played for the Chicago Bears as a running back (1955-58), and later for the Chicago Cardinals.
After a serious football injury Robert embarked on a career in sales with Joseph Seagram and Sons; there he rose to become Vice President for Marketing and National Brand Manager for Chivas Regal.
In New Bedford, Robert was not only a football legend but also an active member in the community. At UMass Dartmouth, Robert served as the chair of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Athletics.
Robert was a recognized scholar in the works of Robert Burns, spoke at international meetings, and was a life-time member of the Irvine Burns Club of Scotland. Robert was an avid student of American history, with special emphasis on the Civil War especially during the period 1855 - 1877. He was an active member of the Stamford Civil War Roundtable and the New Bedford Civil War Roundtable. Robert was a classical music enthusiast.
Throughout his life, Robert fought for civil rights through his words, actions and accomplishments. He was a trailblazer for the generations that have followed.
Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Robbie Watkins of Dartmouth; a granddaughter, Malicia Watkins of Henderson, NV; his foster son who was like a son, Anthony Williams of California; a great-granddaughter, Sierra Bennion; and a nephew, Barry Roderick.
He was the father of the late Robert J. Watkins and the brother of the late Ida Roderick.
His visiting hours will be held on Sunday, October 2nd from 2-5 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. His funeral service will be held on Monday October 3rd at 10 AM in the funeral home followed by burial in South Dartmouth Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association (act.alz.org) in memory of Robert Watkins.