Cecil K. Watkins December 1929 - October 2009

 I Grew  up in  East Elmhurst and product of Elmcor and Cecil was mentor and father figuire and sometimes like brother........If Cecil said it, just do it, we had a lot of fun with cecil; as kids growing up getting into mischief,however some how Cecil would find out..Great man who I admired ,always respected and loved in my own way...Cecil will always be fixture in my mind...Playing football,basketball,baseball you name it......  Cecil put togetheir programs like that for young kids like me growing up- in East Elmhurst...............LOve BUnkey You are in better Place.

To the Watkins family,

I met Cecil 5 years ago and from the day I met him I knew we were going to  build a bond that would forever tight.  In those five years I learned so much about what goes on behind the scenes in the business of basketball.  He was not another basketball connection,  he was a friend.  Someone older than me that I respected always. 

Little did I know as I got to know Cecil that he was making an impact on my life and I didn't even know him.  I was born and raised in Queensbridge.  There were gentlemen like Hank Carter and Lou Garnes who would get us kids together to play in tournaments.  And they all were tourney's held by Cecil.  The impact he made on NYC as a person is just flat out incredible.  One person to touch so many lives is very inspiring.  I will miss him very much.  But I will take what I learned from him and pass it on.  HIs legacy will continue through me and anything I do with the game of basketball on and off the court. 

Finally, I wish your family nothing but peace.  As Cecil was there for me, I will be there for his family.  If you all ever need anything please feel free to call on me.

Thank You,

Allan Gadsden, Jr.

Ms. Henderson

you and your husband helped us all in line so Cecil could do the hard work.

Lois.

Anne Henderson says...

To: Mrs. Watkins and Family

 

From: Anne Henderson

A Long-time Resident of East Elmhurst

 

RE: The Life of Cecil Watkins

 

Cecil Watkins was a great man.

 

I don’t know where his life story began, but I am thankful to have known him and to have directly felt his magic, his ambition, and his talent. He was always generous to everyone, especially children and teenagers. He added a flowing energy to every cause for ELMCOR and the East Elmhurst/Corona community. We always joked that he could star in a famous TV sitcom, no not the Cosby Show, but, Everybody Knows Cecil. How could so many people throughout the country know one man? And this was before the color TV, the internet, back when telephones had a rotary dial. Yes, his story goes back that far.

 

I just never thought that he would finish up what he had to do (his purpose) in life and beat me to Heaven. I always used to tell him, don’t come crying over this old broad when I’m dead, because I’m gonna stick my tongue out and scare the daylights out of you. But he has gone on ahead of me, and hopefully he will put in a good word or two for all of us.

 

Me, I’ve known Mr. Watkins since he was the park attendant at PS 127. I had young kids of my own playing in the park, and I always gave that young fellow, Cecil, advice and things to think about. He probably thought, “That lady is a real pain.” Yes, I know he did! But Mr. Watkins always had a lot of class, and he would never say such a thing. I hope that he knew that I meant well.

 

Well, Cecil, Mr. Watkins. We all have come to say, “Thank You.” Thank you for organizing our community with ELMCOR. Thank you for helping our neighborhood kids to wear uniforms and play on different teams. Thank you for encouraging so many young men and women to be responsible adults. Thank you for giving up so much of your time to make sure that things always went well. Thank you for everything that you did to help all of us. And we thank your family for their willingness to share you with so many people, and for allowing you to play such an important role in the lives of so many human beings.

 

You will always be that piece that completes our happy community picture.

 

With Best Regards,

 

Anne Henderson

The Henderson Family Children: Earl, Jr.; Michael; Brenda; and Margaret.

Our prayers and best wishes are with you all.  I worked for C. K. as a secretary in ELMCOR.  God bless you!

I was so sad to learn that my dear friend and former NBA league office colleague Cecil Watkins had passed away.  Cecil and I shared a love for the game of basketball, a love for St John's and a love for the NBA.  May he rest in peace. 

Words cannot describe the emptiness that I feel due to the passing of this Great Man of God. What huge shoes that are left to be filled. A Father, A Coach, A Mentor, A Teacher, A Negotitor , A Bridge Builder, A Master Tasker, A Multi-Tasker, A Tireless Worker for All Humanity. But now you are with the Master Father in Heaven. Just the thought of knowing that we shall meet again is comforting. As they say, "RIP Cecil". May God Bless Your Family. Faithfully, Ira Douglass.  

a GOOD MAN, I NEW AS A KID.Ran alot of basketball tourmeny.

with deepest sympathy.  thanks for helping myself and the rest of the kids at p.s 68 in Harlem on 127th st. that was on the Basketball Team and cheering squard.

condolences to the Watkins Family  - I am originally from Bayside and was familiar with his brother Leroy who recently passed.