Anthony Joseph Watkins

Anthony Joseph Watkins,  affectionally known as “Bibsy” passed away peacefully on Friday July 21, 2023.

Bibsy was born on May 26, 1948 in Baltimore, Maryland to the late James E. Watkins and Mary A.(Soares) Watkins, He was one of seven children.  At the age of five his family relocated to Providence, RI. He attended Providence Public Schools eventually graduating from Central High in 1967.  He joined the US Armed Forces, serving as a Marine in the Vietnam War.  When he returned from the service, he learned the skill trade of carpentry and worked construction for the RI Carpenter Local 330 Union before branching out on his own business ventures,  He later worked for Sodexho/Marriott with the Providence school Department, retiring in 2008.  

Bibsy was happy go lucky, always smiling. He was a man of few words and many jokes. He loved watching boxing, playing chess and his cat of many names.

Bibsy is survived by his children, Anthony Joseph Chase Sr. and wife, Tara of Providence, Aaron James Watkins Sr. of Cranston, and Stacia Tayla Watkins of Providence.

His grandchildren, Monique and Autumn Brown, Anthony Jr., Cassius, Isaiah, and Malik Chase, Aaron Watkins Jr, and one great grand son, Aurelius.

His Sister Veda Thomas of Providence, His brother Clifton Watkins and wife Donna of Warwick, Two “special” sister in laws whom he raised, Kristine Duarte – Watkins of Baton Rouge and Stacie Duarte of Philadelphia.

He also leaves to mourn a host of Nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Bibsy was preceded in death by one son, Jeffery John Chase, four brothers, James Sr., Ronald Sr., Jeffery, and Gregory Watkins Sr. and his parents.

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