Oct. 20, 2009

Garden City, N.Y. -

Release supplied by the Cecil K. and LeRoy J. Watkins National ProAm Foundation.

Cecil Kenneth Watkins passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2009, due to complications from pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Valerie Morgan Watkins, daughters Kara Watkins Tillman and Keri Watkins, sisters Caroline Townes and Ruth Ross, sisters-in-law Dorothy Watkins, Shirley Mack and Ruby Rolle, brothers-in-law John Mack, Anthony Rolle and John Townes, son-in-law Emmanuel Tillman, granddaughters Amadia Tillman and Elysia Tillman, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who will miss him greatly. He was preceded in death by his brother, LeRoy Watkins, Sr., sister, Henrietta "Mazie" Smith, and nephew, Michael Velazquez.

Cecil was the President and CEO of the National Pro-Am City Leagues Association, Inc., a national organization that develops both players and referees for the National Basketball Association (NBA), the Governor and Boys Basketball Chairman of the New York Metropolitan Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and an active board member for several organizations. During his 18 years with the NBA, he served as Director of Community and Special Programs and as an Assistant Supervisor of Officials. He was also a co-founder and former executive director of ELMCOR Youth & Adult Activities, Inc., a community service organization serving East Elmhurst, Corona and Jamaica.

He was respected nationwide for his knowledge and leadership in sports and community recreation. His efforts were largely responsible for providing countless inner city youth with positive outlets to express themselves and grow through their participation in sports. In recent years, Cecil was awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree from Adelphi University and selected as a finalist for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame's Mannie Jackson-Basketball's Human Spirit Award. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame for NYS Basketball, NYC Basketball, ELMCOR and Adelphi University.

Most importantly, he made a difference in the lives of so many people. Cecil was a gentle giant who transformed communities with his uncanny genius and touched the hearts of those who knew him with his candor, his humor and his generosity.

Adelphi President Robert A. Scott on the passing of Cecil K. Watkins '75, M.A. '86, 07 (Hon.) "Adelphi University mourns the passing of its distinguished alumnus and long-time friend, Cecil Watkins. His boundless good will and commitment to youth and sports had a tremendous impact on the lives of many people. The University will deeply miss him and will continue to honor his extraordinary efforts. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Valerie, daughters Kara and Keri, and the entire Watkins family."

Adelphi Associate Dean and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Robert E. Hartwell on the loss of Cecil K. Watkins '75, M.A. '86, '07 (Hon.) "Cecil Watkins had an incredible can-do approach to life which enabled him to provide life-changing experiences for many. Respected nationwide for his knowledge and leadership in sports and community recreation, we are proud that he is a member of the Adelphi University Athletic Hall of Fame. We shall never forget him and he will always have a place in this program and in our hearts."

Click here for more information on the memorial service.