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There is and will never be another person like Richard. His indelible mark on this world was created by his kindheartedness, generosity, compassion, fierce intelligence and boundless love for his three daughters. A silly and irreverent soul, he led his household in adventures, dance parties, cuddles, deep thoughts, reflection and affection. Despite his notable successes in life, he was down to earth and able to create strong connections and understanding among all types of people. He will forever be remembered as ‘one of the greats’ among those fortunate to know and love him. 

 

Growing Up 

 

Richard Bailey Watkins, Jr. was born on November 1, 1954 to Richard and Betsy Watkins and grew up alongside big sister Beverly in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He strongly admired his parents for the love they instilled in their home and the kindness they imparted to their community. Betsy was a nursing director of fundamentals at Erlanger Hospital’s School of Nursing and Richard Sr. was a skilled machinist for DuPont. As a young child, Richard displayed a passion for animals, athleticism and a love for learning-- three things that would define his adult years. 

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Known as the ‘Hixson Flash,’ Richard ran track and played football in high school and college. A natural-born leader gifted with sociability and charm, Richard was class president of Hixson High School and named to the ‘Who’s Who of Tennessee’ his senior year. He attended the University of Tennessee, College of Charleston and served in the United States Airforce before settling down to start a family and his business. Richard has lived all around the United States including Tennessee, Maryland, Pennsylvania, California, Arizona, North Carolina, South Carolina, and more. 

 

from Richard's sister, Beverly:

We grew up happy and always feeling loved. Mom and dad were our biggest cheering team. That is probably where he grew up knowing how important it is to be accepted and loved for who you are. Rick and I were so different, he the smart, charismatic one and me, the shy and quiet one-- but no matter what we always felt loved.

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One of my most vivid memories of growing up was probably because it was repeated annually!    The “Watkins Family “ took a yearly pilgrimage to the Florida beaches.  Our dad always made it an adventure.  We had not been settled in for long and within 24 hours Rick had made friends with every child in the complex and had friends to play with all week!  It made me so mad!  He was like my dad....a people person.  I look back now (less shy) and admire that quality in him.  

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Career

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The contributions and influence that Richard had on the nuclear power industry, his clients, and the WD family cannot be measured and will not be forgotten.

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from WD's Co-Founder, Greg Duffy:

 

My friend of 35 years, a business partner of 27 years, and co-founder of WD Associates Inc, Richard Watkins, passed away yesterday.  Although not completely unexpected due to medical issues in recent years, it is still a shock to lose someone so close and influential in your life. Known as the Hixon Flash in high school (Hixon, TN), Richard was gifted both athletically and intellectually. When he came to work at Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station (PBAPS), I was the site lead for General Physics. He had an immediate positive impact on both the client’s and our organization. We quickly became friends and started doing things together away from work. When I transferred to another plant, I recommended him as my replacement and the company accepted that recommendation. While I was gone, he was promoted again and when my contract at the other facility ended, he offered me a position working for him back at PBAPS. As a team, we were able to grow the organization into one of the largest in the company. When the owner of General Physics sold the company and the new management team tried to implement policies that negatively impacted employees, our objections resulted in position changes that neither of us were satisfied with. Richard convinced me that we should start a company and that we could compete with our current employer. Looking back, it really was a crazy idea, but, 27 years later, we are still in operation under the same name. Once we started WD, we became even closer, living only 2 miles apart. At work we were able to manage the good times and bad. In our personal lives, we were there to celebrate the successes and provide support during troubled times. Richard is survived by three beautiful daughters that he loved dearly. Each one was very special to him in their own way. Richard was a good man, hard worker, great friend, and a loving father. He will be missed.