Former New Hanover County Commissioner Skip Watkins has died, his family announced

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Former New Hanover County Commissioner Skip Watkins died Wednesday, his family announced on Facebook Saturday.

In addition to being a county commissioner from 2014 to 2018, Watkins also taught economics at the University of Mount Olive, and was a financial advisor for Capital Investment Group. Before becoming commissioner, he was a longtime fair manager for the Cape Fear Fair and Expo.

Watkins earned a BS, and MBA in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, graduating in 1988.

Woody White, who served as county commissioner alongside Watkins sent WWAY a statement that reads:

“I treasured the time I had serving alongside Skip Watkins on the County Commission, especially during Hurricane Florence when he worked tirelessly to help his neighbors and fellow citizens. Skip had an infectious, positive aura that accompanied him everywhere he went. To him, no problem was unsolvable, no effort too great. We can all learn from how he set such an example. He will be missed.”

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, November 17 from 12 to 2 pm at Riverlights Lakehouse, 4124 Watercraft Ferry Ave, Wilmington, NC.