Benjamin Philip Watkins

At the time, he had been dealing with multiple health complications. He was preceded in death by his father Benjamin W. Watkins and his mother Edna N. Watkins, both long time residents of Hampton. He is survived by his aunt Lucille Rinehart of Richmond, Virginia.

Phil was a one-of-a-kind person. He was very kind and loving and at times, sarcastic and caustic. He had a heart of gold with a bite to it. He was sweet and sour and prized his independence throughout his life, even up to the end when he was in and out of the hospital.

One of his finest qualities was that he could make one feel loved unconditionally. Friends have remarked on his importance in their lives. To some, he was a younger brother, to others, a friend or uncle. His way of being himself, his character, his "light" helped some to accept themselves. He was a reminder to love, accept yourself and let your light shine, no matter what.

Phil was always ready to help a friend or loved one. He moved back to Hampton to help his parents through their last days. He took care of them, got them to their doctors, helped with their meds, and always made sure his mother was pampered and quaffed in style. He did everything for them. When his mother, the last to pass, died, fifteen years had gone by. Their loss weighed heavily on him the rest of his life. After his mother’s death he worked hard to get back to living his own life. He returned to his profession as a hairdresser. Before the pandemic he was working in the catering industry.

In 2021, his dear friend Taya was diagnosed with ALS. Phil loved her so much he wanted to spend every waking minute with her. He was there to help as often as possible. When she died a little piece of him went with her. After Taya passed, it became evident Phil was the one that needed caretaking. Several of his friends did what they could to help him. They hung in with him even when he got a little snarky.

Phil loved B movie horror films of the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s and was always willing to watch a monster movie. He loved going to the beach, people watching, and cooling off over conversations in the ocean.

While Phil may have had his “issues,” as his PCP’s assistant once told him, he was a “ball of glitter”. And he was. Now he’s lighting up heaven with his laughter and light."

A graveside service for Phil will be held Thursday, December 22, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Parklawn Memorial Park, 2551 N. Armistead Ave, Hampton, VA 23666.

In lieu of flowers and in memory of his mother, a donation to Alzheimer’s Association https//act.alz.org would be appreciated.