Bethune Funeral Service

He was involved behind the scenes to bring the annual Florida Classic game — the match-up between two of Florida’s historically black universities, Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman — to Orlando and to get Disney to help sponsor it.The Windermere man was also a husband for nearly 30 years to Deidre, whom he met at a local NAACP meeting after her sister introduced them.That’s all part of the legacy of Billingslea, who died Friday at 79.“He made a large impact on many people and organizations throughout Central Florida and beyond. He will be greatly missed,” said George Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort, in a statement.Friends remember Billingslea as a gregarious man with a sophisticated fashion sense who took charge of Disney’s minority outreach and was heavily involved in many community organizations.He was an early pioneer of pushing for corporate social responsibility, said Marc Morial, CEO of the National Urban League and a former New Orleans mayor.Billingslea worked at Disney for 42 years, serving as its liaison for organizations including the NAACP, the Urban League, 100 Black Men and United Negro College Fund, he told the Sentinel in 2011. When Disney voiced its commitment to diversity in its hiring practices by signing a letter of understanding with the NAACP, he called it a highlight of his career.“He was very proud of his heritage and culture as a black man,” said Hubert Grimes, interim president at Bethune-Cookman. “He was one of the people who opened doors.”Back then, there was no hospitality management school in the region, so Billingslea pushed for one — not just a place to train cooks, but one with an emphasis on educating future executives and leaders in the industry. It opened at Bethune-Cookman in 1986 and was named for him last year.He later became a trustee at the school, keeping his post and working with four different presidents over the years to make him the longest-serving trustee on the current board before his death.It seemed like he knew everyone.“Bob had Facebook friends before there wa... (Orlando Sentinel)

Watkins, 87, of Bethune, will be held at 11:00 o’clock a.m., Saturday, September 2, in the sanctuary of Timrod Baptist Church.  The Revs. Jeremy Ussery, Jackie Knight and Derrick McManus will officiate.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Masonic rites.A visitation will be held Friday, September 1, from 6:00 to 8:00 o’clock p.m. at Baker Funeral Home, Kershaw and other times at the home.Mr. Watkins died Wednesday, August 30, in KershawHealth, Camden.  Born in Bethune, he was a son of the late Sid and Janie Newman Watkins.Surviving are his loving wife of 68 years, Joy Blackmon Watkins of the home; his daughter, Cindy (Dennis) Booth of Aiken; 2 granddaughters, Erin (Scott) Truitt of Aiken and Ashley (Will) DesChamps of Charleston; a great granddaughter, Cannon Truitt and anxiously awaiting the birth of 2 more great grandchildren later this year. Also surviving are his brother-in-law, Keith (Eloise) Blackmon of Bethune and loyal friend, his dog , Buddy. He was preceded in death by 4 sisters, Willie Mae Redick, Juanita Plummer, Dorothy Horton and Ethel Lee Hopkins and 4 brothers, W.C. Watkins, Olin Watkins, Paul Watkins and Fred Watkins.Mr. Watkins retired from the Dupont Co. where he was a former fire fighter, a founding member and volunteer of Bethune Rescue Squad, former President of Bethune Rural Water Board, a deacon at Timrod Baptist Church and a board member of May Plant Credit Union and the SC Forestry Commission for 20 years. He was a master Mason, recently receiving his 50 year recognition and a Shriner.Mr. Watkins enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, fishing, and riding around his pond with his wife Joy and his dog, Buddy. In earlier years, he loved to be Santa at family and church gatherings (he had a twinkle in his eyes just like Santa). He loved family!.  He loved meeting new people and often invited them to spend time at his pond. Mr. Watkins was fun loving and generous. He was adored by his family. He was a special husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend.In lieu of flowers, memorials ma... (Chronicle Independent)