David "Watty" Watkins

David "Watty" B. Watkins, Jr., 63, of China Grove, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at The Greens at Cabarrus in Concord.

Watty was born January 13, 1960, in Charlotte to the late David B. Watkins, Sr. and Emily Broome Watkins.

Watty was a graduate of Central Cabarrus High School and had a lifetime career of playing with cars.  His love of cars, combined with his artistic talents, started a decades long career in the early 80’s, while honing his skills with Doug Dean.  Watty’s first job in NASCAR came about when he was recognized by Dick Hutcherson & Eddie Pagan.  His career skyrocketed in to working with multiple NASCAR teams as a fabricator and pit crew member, where he worked for many years before starting his own successful business, “Watty’s Speed & Fabrication.”  There, he continued to turn out award winning paint jobs and classic remodels, one of which was a remodel done for Joe Gibbs, which almost beat out Chip Foose at the Detroit Autorama.  Watty’s work was recognized in many magazines and car shows.  His passion was motorcycles and the freedom from the ride itself.  He was part of a large biker community and participated in many charity rides and benefits.  His favorite thing ever was to travel all over to many bike week vacations with friends and family.  If he couldn’t be on a bike, camping or out on the boat would be his second favorite.  Watty’s personality was one you couldn’t ignore, nor forget.  His creativity and talents were even more unforgettable, but the love he had for his two girls was his greatest life achievement!

The memorial service in celebration of Watty's life will be held at 6:00 pm on Monday, March 13, 2023, at Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord, officiated by Rev. Rody Carland.  The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home.

Survivors include his daughters, LeAnne Watkins of Harrisburg, NC and Hailey Watkins of Myrtle Beach, SC; mother, Emily Watkins of Harrisburg, NC; brother, Joe Watkins of Midland.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Watkins family.