Joseph "Joe" Watkins of Creedmoor slipped away peacefully on February 3, 2026.

Born in Granville County, January 28, 1943. He was the son of the late Joe Ben Watkins and Lillian Watkins Ellington, both past residents of Creedmoor, NC.

Joe graduated from Creedmoor High School in 1961. He served in the United States Air Force in the military police. Joe was the Staff Analyst to the Plant Manager at IBM. He retired from IBM at the age of 51 and began his own business of American Eagle Towing. He continued to work until his health wouldn't allow.

Joe was an avid race fan. He loved many forms of racing with his son. He and his son Chad spent many years traveling to tracks around the Eastern U.S. racing in the World Karting Association, the Allison Legacy Series, Late Model Super Trucks and the Late Model Stock division. They won the Peach State Speedway 100 in Georgia, and Joe won Crew Chief of the Year in 1998. He loved spending time at the lake and on the pontoon boat. He loved trail riding, traveling, socializing, and dancing with Brenda.

A funeral service will be held Friday, February 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Sossamon Funeral Home in Creedmoor. Interment will follow at Carolina Memorial Gardens.

He is survived by his son, Chad Watkins (Kim); Brenda Chappell of the home and girls Caroline and Meredith Chappell; two granddaughters, Zoi Watkins (Seth) and Carlee Watkins; and one brother, Wayne Watkins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Watkins.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. At other times, they will be at the home.

Arrangements are by Sossamon Funeral Home of Creedmoor. Online condolences may be made at www.sossamonfuneralhome.com