Carl Raymond Britton-Watkins

Carl Raymond Britton-Watkins, 78, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2021 at his home.

Born May 5, 1942 in Logansport, IN, Carl was the son of the late Carl Sherwood Watkins and Frances Douglas Watkins.  He served 20 years in the United States Marine Corp and did three tours of duty in Vietnam and retired as a Master Gunnery Sargeant in 1979.  Carl did his undergraduate studies at UNC-Greensboro.  He received his Masters Degree in Counseling at UNC-Greensboro as well.  Carl was a member of Trinity Wesleyan Church in Eden where he was a former Christian Counselor and Pastor of multicultural ministries. 

After establishing a professional career Greesboro, NC with the Drug Action Council and First Step and Danville Memorial Hospital, Carl began his journey as a Substance Abuse Counselor in Rockingham County in 1989.  Carl served as Substance Abuse Director with Rockingham County Mental Health Center until he left in 1998 to go to Durham Council on Alcoholism as the Executive Director.  During this time, Carl and his wife, Diane, opened a private practice, Genesis Christian Counseling Center, in Durham.  After leaving Durham, Carl returned to work part-time Carl continued his employment in Durham.  After leaving Durham, Carl returned to work part-time at Daymark Recovery Services.  Carl served as an excellent advocate for those suffering from addiction.  In addition to his work in Rockingham County, Carl worked with the North Carolina General Assembly on Substance Abuse Reform as well as served on the State Level Child and Family Advocacy Committee, (CFAC).  Carl served on numerous boards and committees including the Executive Director of Family Life Center and a member of Addiction Professionals of North Carolina (APNC).  Carl was an excellent educator providing numerous trainings to both professionals and lay persons.  He taught at the Governor’s School for 5 years.

Carl was well known and loved as both a Substance Abuse Counselor and a Christian Counselor.  Carl never met a stranger.  He gave selflessly to anyone in need.  Carl’s genuine compassion for people led them both to recovery and to Christ.  Carl offered hope to those that had no hope, direction to those who were, and gave courage to those who were overcome with fear.  Carl taught those who had no self-love to love thy self.  He taught forgiveness, letting go of the chains of resentments and guilt.  Carl not only reached out to those suffering from addiction but to their families as well. He recognized that the disease of addiction was a family disease and shared the same compassion and care to the family as well as the addict.  There is no way to measure the impact that Carl had on the lives of others.  For those that had the privilege to work with and know Carl, will forever hold a memory with many blessings. 

In the book “Embraced by the Light” by Betty J. Eadie, she describes Carl in the following quote: “Above all, I was shown that love is supreme.  I saw that truly without love we are nothing.  We are here to help each other, to care for each other, to understand, to forgive, and serve one another.  We are here to have love for every person on earth.”

As Carl entered the Golden Gates of Heaven, he was embraced by the Father’s words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

He is survived by his wife, Diane Britton-Watkins of the home; daughters, Denise Watkins of Corona, CA and Carla Watkins of Jacksonville, NC; son, Eric Watkins of Vista, CA and Mark Watkins of St. Augustine, FL; 14 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; brother, Stan Watkins of St. Augustine, FL; and step-daughter, Nicole Cristaldi of Conway, SC

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, David Albert Watkins; step-daughter, Michele Praetorius; and grandson, Benjamin Mathis.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Lamb’s Fund, c/o Trinity Wesleyan Church, 186 E. Aiken Rd., Eden, NC 27288

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com