The precious life of Eric Lee Watkins began on September 21, 1950. He was the fifth of six children born to the late David and Helen Watkins of Lusby, Maryland. He passed away peacefully on August 23, 2022 with his beloved wife Naomi at his side.
Lee was a 1968 graduate of Calvert Senior High School in Calvert County, Maryland. He received his name of “Snake” at Calvert High by his teacher, Mr. Jefferson; who said that he moved like a snake when he was playing basketball. Lee loved to play basketball especially playing in the community against the different Lusby community teams.
Soon after graduation; Lee was drafted into the United States Army. He was a combat engineer during the Vietnam War and advance to the rank of Sergeant. After his time of service in the military, Lee became certified as a carpenter. His love for carpentry started when he was in the sixth grade when he sold Watkins salve so that he could win a set of carpentry books.
He had security clearance that allowed him to work on several military bases and federal properties. He worked as a carpenter for construction companies that included Grimberg, Scheilbel, Clark and many others. He also worked several years at the BG and E power plant in Lusby.
On December 30, 1992, Lee married the love of his life, Naomi Gross. They have lovingly shared nearly thirty years together.
In his younger years, Lee attended St. John UMC in Lusby, Maryland. In his later years, he had an interest in the bible and studied along with his wife with Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Lee was the life of the party and loved making everyone laugh with his many jokes. He loved to dance and was really good at it; he’d be among the first to hit the dance floor at any party. He also was a stylish dresser. Every part of His outfit always matched and it was completed with the shiniest shoes.
He had a great big heart and loved his family dearly. He loved his in-laws and quickly became a beloved part of the Gross family. Lee especially loved his siblings, his three sons, stepson and six grandchildren. He lovingly gave a special name to each of his grandchildren. Lee also had a great love for his nieces and nephews and was always willing to do anything for them.
He was a big Dallas Cowboys fan and enjoyed watching the game with his friends.
Lee was preceded in death by his parents, sister Doris, brothers David Jr., Gerald and Robert, niece Tracey and Uncle Eugene, Aunt Dolly and his very best friend, Alexander Briscoe.
Memories of Lee will be continually cherished by his most devoted and loving wife, Naomi, sons Glenwood Lee, Linwood Levi and Juan Watkins, stepson Anthony Greenwell; daughter in laws, Carlisha and Monique Watkins; grandchildren, Treyvon, Amani, Juan Jr, Talia, Madison, and Mason Watkins; sister, Betty Ford; sister in laws, Sheila and Diane Watkins, Mary Mackall, Olivia Brooks, Theresa, Paula, Minnie and Madelyn Gross; brother in laws, George Williams, Fred, Randolph, Edward, William and Page Gross; many godchildren, special friends McKinley Mackall, Butch Parran, Sidney Gross and Fred and Edward Gross; the Weems and Hutchins guys, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Lee was also so blessed and thankful to Brenda Stepney and Adrienne Johnson who were wonderful mothers to his children.
