Ana Kent Owen
Salem MA
GHW was on Plum Island in Newburyport with his companion SU when I met him in the mid-1970s. Greg was gazing out to sea and didn't seem to be aware that the dog had wandered over to play with my children. When he did notice her absence and she didn't respond to his whistle, he strolled over and introduced himself. His manner and voice were gentle, soft and slow. He wore two silver rings--an Indian wedding band and another with a turquoise facade that was embedded with a star, lightning bolt, and crescent moon. When I saw his white van with a pyramid on the dashboard, I thought for sure that he must be some New Age Guru from the South.***During the time that I knew Greg, he often talked about Doylestown and his family, the long trip through Pennsylvania, the simplicity of a Quaker wedding, and his reasons for wanting to travel to the "four corners of the USA" and to Paris. There were also the mystical, magical moments of being with an artist and watching him at work. I remember well the day that he explained the philosophical and artistic composition of a sketch called "Forever Blend." I also remember mundane things like the way he smoked Camels, fried eggs sunny-side-up, drank coffee black, and really enjoyed the flavors in a cheese-steak "grinder." Most of all I remember his gentle knowing smile, twinkling eyes, and reassuring touch. The two years that I walked with Greg were short and sweet as was the reconnection with him some 20 years later via letters.***GHW left Salem just days before the Blizzard of '78. He said that he and SU were headed in a southwesterly direction. The white van was outfitted for a long road trip and sported an absinthe-green, color-washed dragon decal in the back window. I couldn't say goodbye that day and probably never will be able to say goodbye to him--the memory of forever blending lingers. Greg was, is, and forever will be a blessing in my life.
Ana Kent Owen
Salem MA
I have uploaded a photo of Greg that I took in Topsfield MA in 1976. He was feeling rather shy about having shaved off his mustache and beard.
mary watkins
Cincinnati, OH
May 25, 2008, Doylestown, Ohio.
The sky dawned bright and clear, a pleasant breeze blowing the tent flap set up for Doylestown's day to celebrate the life and work of Gregory Homer Watkins. Slowly, tables were dropped off, wire was strung, family and friends loaned items from their personal collections, a registration book was lovingly created, paintings and sketches were hung, and sculptures were brought inside.
By the time we were finished, more than 100 sketches, paintings, pastels, and pen and inks were displayed, In the middle of the tent, stood an easel with the shirt Greg wore when painting brother Dave's garden shed and which he later decided needed painting as well.
From 2:00 p.m. until after 6:00, friends, family, old school chums, neighbors, and the just plain curious came to visit the "gallery." They came from across the street, around the state, and from Virginia and Alaska. Stories were swapped, "remember whens", and work admired. Yet even those who knew him best were overwhelmed by the volume and diversity of Greg's works. Several wanted to know if they were for sale. Many contributed to the visual arts organization that specifically serves young people with disabilities.
We wish all of Greg's friends could have been present to share the day. But we extend our gratitude for the part you played in Greg's life and all the support you provided not only him, but his family.
Keep the torch burning, and "shake a leg" for Greg. He'd be happy if you would.
The sky dawned bright and clear, a pleasant breeze blowing the tent flap set up for Doylestown's day to celebrate the life and work of Gregory Homer Watkins. Slowly, tables were dropped off, wire was strung, family and friends loaned items from their personal collections, a registration book was lovingly created, paintings and sketches were hung, and sculptures were brought inside.
By the time we were finished, more than 100 sketches, paintings, pastels, and pen and inks were displayed, In the middle of the tent, stood an easel with the shirt Greg wore when painting brother Dave's garden shed and which he later decided needed painting as well.
From 2:00 p.m. until after 6:00, friends, family, old school chums, neighbors, and the just plain curious came to visit the "gallery." They came from across the street, around the state, and from Virginia and Alaska. Stories were swapped, "remember whens", and work admired. Yet even those who knew him best were overwhelmed by the volume and diversity of Greg's works. Several wanted to know if they were for sale. Many contributed to the visual arts organization that specifically serves young people with disabilities.
We wish all of Greg's friends could have been present to share the day. But we extend our gratitude for the part you played in Greg's life and all the support you provided not only him, but his family.
Keep the torch burning, and "shake a leg" for Greg. He'd be happy if you would.
Curtis Tucker
Pawley's Island, S.C.
I met Greg when I first began my journey on The Path with The Messiah, Yahushua, whom I called jesus at that time-1989. Greg and I used to have long discussions of The Holy Scripture and the lessons of The Messiah. Greg said that we had to stop having these long conversations and in depth questions about Scripture because it was "wearing me out."
Greg said he had an experience years before in a little church in Ohio that had changed his life but after 3 years of sobriety and purity that had done nothing for him, Greg went back to the life of fleshliness and self-indulgence-"having fun."
Greg was such a wonderfully tallented man and gentle spirit. I asked why he went back to those old, polluted ways and he told me then that he was only in his 40's and he had plenty of time to change and make the decision to follow Messiah before he died.
I was thinking of him today, June 2, 2008, as I often do, and pray for Gregory, and I decided to look up his phone number on the internet and give him a call. I was a little surprised to see that he has finished his time here in this world. I really wanted to share with him again the excitement I feel with the Breath of Yahweh, The Heavenly Father, filling me and share some of the things that I have learned, and ask him how he has grown over the last decade and a half. I think I saw him once in the mid 90's in passing in G.town.
I want to encourage everyone reading this blog to give your lives to The Creator, Yahweh, as written about in The Scripture - Holy Bible - and don't waste a moment questioning the Truth of Messiah. Yahushua is alive and will show you The Truth, give you Life abundantly, and lead you on The Way. Just open your mind and receive the Breath of Yahweh in The Name of Yahushua, The Messiah, and live. Follow His Instructions/Commandments and know Love, now and forever. HalleluYah - Yahweh, look it up in the encyclopedia as well as the preface of your bibles, you will see how The Names of The Creator and Messiah have been changed. Just seek The Truth wholeheartedly and you will find it. HalleluYah!!
Greg said he had an experience years before in a little church in Ohio that had changed his life but after 3 years of sobriety and purity that had done nothing for him, Greg went back to the life of fleshliness and self-indulgence-"having fun."
Greg was such a wonderfully tallented man and gentle spirit. I asked why he went back to those old, polluted ways and he told me then that he was only in his 40's and he had plenty of time to change and make the decision to follow Messiah before he died.
I was thinking of him today, June 2, 2008, as I often do, and pray for Gregory, and I decided to look up his phone number on the internet and give him a call. I was a little surprised to see that he has finished his time here in this world. I really wanted to share with him again the excitement I feel with the Breath of Yahweh, The Heavenly Father, filling me and share some of the things that I have learned, and ask him how he has grown over the last decade and a half. I think I saw him once in the mid 90's in passing in G.town.
I want to encourage everyone reading this blog to give your lives to The Creator, Yahweh, as written about in The Scripture - Holy Bible - and don't waste a moment questioning the Truth of Messiah. Yahushua is alive and will show you The Truth, give you Life abundantly, and lead you on The Way. Just open your mind and receive the Breath of Yahweh in The Name of Yahushua, The Messiah, and live. Follow His Instructions/Commandments and know Love, now and forever. HalleluYah - Yahweh, look it up in the encyclopedia as well as the preface of your bibles, you will see how The Names of The Creator and Messiah have been changed. Just seek The Truth wholeheartedly and you will find it. HalleluYah!!
Greg Watkins (J. Gregory) (Greggy)
Cincinnati, Ohio
Learning of the passing of my uncle was simultaneously one of the most horrible and most wonderful things I've ever heard. I, as everyone who knew and loved him, miss him deeply but Greg was one with the beauty of this world and I know that he has finally gotten home and is at peace. I was always in awe of his talent but even more in awe and wonder at his ability to always be present, right here, right now, in the moment. So many of us fight living life on life's terms yet Greg did with no effort whatever. A soul conflicted with the wicked ways of the world but completely at peace with the beuty of all that surrounds us. I love you Greg, and I am proud to be named for such a brilliant man and gentle soul.
Debbie Watkins
Pawleys Island. SC
CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE
April 6, 2008
Today, you are here to say your goodbyes to an old and dear friend. For me, a man that I have loved for many years, a man that has possessed my heart since the day he walked into my life.
We are also here to pay tribute and to honor his incredible talent and gift of art to us all. Greg's work has touched so many people. It has inspired us and enriched our lives. He was always striving to paint that one "masterpiece", not realizing that he had already painted many. His passion and commitment to his work brought happiness to many people. It also provided healing and closure for others. We have all been mesmerized as we stood at the threshold of his murals. There is absolutely no price you can place on this. I feel that Greg has left this world accomplishing what he set out to do, but today I feel ashamed that it has taken his death for us all to recognize and acknowledge his artistic genius.
For those of you who are fortunate enough to have Greg's art in your home or business, please cherish it, because like the man, it can never be replaced.
The essence of the man was a gentle and sensitive soul, with the heart of a lion. He knew no boundaries with his friendships, he loved life and lived his life to the fullest. Yes, he overindulged, even to the point of abuse, but he did it his way, and in the end, that is all that matters.
As many of you know, my life with Greg has been a continuous dance of joy and sorrow, but we loved each other with a passion so deep and personal that there are no words to define it. Most people go through life and never experience this kind of love. I feel blessed to have had this man pass through my life.
Greg's last years have been difficult. He has spent too much time in the dark battling his demons. I will never forget the tears in his eyes when the storm raging inside of him was too much to bear, but will always remember his smile and his laughter, the touch of his strong hands and the comfort of that shoulder I could always lean on.
Today, my heart is broken, but I find comfort in knowing that my husband is in God's embrace, and that unquiet mind has finally found the peace he has desperately craved for so long.
We all know Greg loved a crowd and a good party, so I would like to express my appreciation to each and every one of you for coming here today to pay your respects to this sweetheart of a man.
April 6, 2008
Today, you are here to say your goodbyes to an old and dear friend. For me, a man that I have loved for many years, a man that has possessed my heart since the day he walked into my life.
We are also here to pay tribute and to honor his incredible talent and gift of art to us all. Greg's work has touched so many people. It has inspired us and enriched our lives. He was always striving to paint that one "masterpiece", not realizing that he had already painted many. His passion and commitment to his work brought happiness to many people. It also provided healing and closure for others. We have all been mesmerized as we stood at the threshold of his murals. There is absolutely no price you can place on this. I feel that Greg has left this world accomplishing what he set out to do, but today I feel ashamed that it has taken his death for us all to recognize and acknowledge his artistic genius.
For those of you who are fortunate enough to have Greg's art in your home or business, please cherish it, because like the man, it can never be replaced.
The essence of the man was a gentle and sensitive soul, with the heart of a lion. He knew no boundaries with his friendships, he loved life and lived his life to the fullest. Yes, he overindulged, even to the point of abuse, but he did it his way, and in the end, that is all that matters.
As many of you know, my life with Greg has been a continuous dance of joy and sorrow, but we loved each other with a passion so deep and personal that there are no words to define it. Most people go through life and never experience this kind of love. I feel blessed to have had this man pass through my life.
Greg's last years have been difficult. He has spent too much time in the dark battling his demons. I will never forget the tears in his eyes when the storm raging inside of him was too much to bear, but will always remember his smile and his laughter, the touch of his strong hands and the comfort of that shoulder I could always lean on.
Today, my heart is broken, but I find comfort in knowing that my husband is in God's embrace, and that unquiet mind has finally found the peace he has desperately craved for so long.
We all know Greg loved a crowd and a good party, so I would like to express my appreciation to each and every one of you for coming here today to pay your respects to this sweetheart of a man.
Tom & Lorrie Darrah
Pawleys Island, South Carolina.
We met Greg when he first began painting in Georgetown County sometime in the mid 1980's. We were considering building a home that had a large blank dining room wall that needed something very special. We commisssioned Greg to paint a large floor to ceiling mural on the wall and together we determined that the theme should be a local, prosperous rice plantation showing the river, a steam powered vessel, the actual rice fields, flood gates and slave labor harvest. We never purchased the house but Greg agreed, since he had drawn a number of small proof sketches, to paint in oil on a 30 x 48-inch canvas the same theme that was to be used for the mural. We have always believed the painting is very special and all those who have seen it have thoroughly marveled in it. Because Greg was so talented, we commissioned him to paint marbleized mantels, columns and wainscoting in one of our homes. We always thought Greg was someone special with increditable talent and character, even with his human struggles in life. We wish him well and blessings on his new journey.
Mary Watkins (sister-in-law)
Cincinnati, OH
Perhaps my most vivid memory of Greg is his explanation of his abilities. I had said, "Greg, I can understand how someone with artistic talent can look at a person or a scene and reproduce it on canvas. But what I don't understand is how you can paint something you're not looking at!" Greg's response was, "I see the painting on a blank canvas and for me, it's as if you were coloring in a coloring book, with the picture already defined for you." I thought it was probably the best explanation of the inexplicable differences between someone with artistic vision and the rest of us.
Phail Owens
Pawleys Island
I knew Greg and his talent from the murals he had created in Georgetown and Pawleys. He and I would enjoy each other's company often. I interviewed him for a full page story in the Georgetown Times and was amazed at the adventures he had experienced. The true, free spirit of Greg Watkins. - With his classical art education and the talent he possessed, he was free to live and do as he pleased. And he did. What a wonderful time he had. Sadly, he didn't stay here as long as we wanted. But he was extremely confident, happy and much loved by a huge community. I'll miss his smile most of all. Greg is the epitome of Pawleys Island.
Isaac Watkins
Anchorage, AK
Greg was always one to make sure everyone was having a good time. During my first year of college a few friends of mine and I went to South Carolina to visit my uncle Greg. He was working on a mural at a bar at the time so we would go with him to watch him work. One day he told us he didn't have to work that day... one of the benefits of being his own boss. He hooked up his boat to his VW van and took us to a slough for a little trip in the backwaters. After about an hour of motoring up the slough the boat stalled out. We ran out of gas, but we had an extra tank. However, the extra tank wasn't designed to hook up with the motor. We siphoned the gas into the original tank, but now that it was disconnected from the motor we couldn't get it to connect again either. He had a few small oars in the boat so my buddy, Scott, and I proceeded to row with the current back to the van... parked miles away. Greg thought he'd help. He pulled out a beach umbrella, popped it open and stood on the front of the boat to catch the wind like a sail. We finally saw a house off of the slough so he jumped out and convinced the owner to give us a tow back to the van. We made it, he backed up his van and loaded up the boat, only to get the van stuck in the mud. A short pull from a tow truck and we were set. Greg jumped into the boat to make sure it was hooked up properly and stood up with the part that connected the gas tank to the motor... it'd fallen to the floor of the boat and none of us had thought to look for it. "After all that," Greg said,"I think I need to go to work to relax... want to go to the bar?"
I have a picture of Greg on the front of the boat with the beach umbrella... I'll see if I can find it and uplaod it here.
I have a picture of Greg on the front of the boat with the beach umbrella... I'll see if I can find it and uplaod it here.
Dale Shisler
Doylestown, Ohio
I'm totally in shock....I had always hoped to run into Greg once again ..it's been years since we sat on the street corner in downtown Doylestown and laughed with him about what he and I might be doing someday. Greg was my best and, at times, only friend in high school. I remember him amazing me, even at that time, with his talent. He picked up an empty shoe box and in no time drew this amazing, life like 3 dimensional pick with a pencil. He had been given a gift and he loved sharing it along with his unconventional wisdom. When I lost my father it was Greg that supported me and stuck up for me when I acted out. Unfortunately I lost contact with Greg when he moved away but never let go of the love and concern in my heart for him. Greg only made the world a better and happier place...my life, as everyone's was,has been made better because Greg and his love of life - was a part of it.
Brewster Buck
Pawleys Island, SC
I met Greg in 1985 working on a house in Georgetown. He was painting a dock scene on a wall. This grabbed my attention, a young man straight out of art school and not easily impressed, with the immense detail and wide perspective. We became fast friends and had many adventures over the years. I became "B" and he was "G." We lived together at times, had days at the beach, days at the river, days in the mountains. We camped, moved, worked, cogitated, pondered, scrounged, broke bread and found refuge in the silence of many late nights. We traveled places and searched for our holy grails, rode out a hurricane, a snowstorm and relationships. Thru all times, troubles, fears and changes, his ability to paint, draw, sculpt or be creative in any situation was amazing. I have never known a more talented person, yet always prayed he would grow to find more stability in his life. The self destructive nature seems part of those with a vision and talents such as his. Greg's insatiable curiosity drew him to all types of people and situations, while his big heart and compassionate ways drew us to him also. I miss my brother "G", his hearty sense of humor, his vibrant soul, interested in anything, anyplace, anytime.
Released from this earth,
aloft in the stars,
Under the Lord's loving watch,
Free to explore the universe,
We celebrate his new life.
Released from this earth,
aloft in the stars,
Under the Lord's loving watch,
Free to explore the universe,
We celebrate his new life.
Dixie Patton -Roth
salome, az
Greg did a great painting of Jennifer and I will send the pic soon also he did the sign Of the Walton House. My email is Dixiewalton@hotmail.com
Dixie Patton -Roth
Georgetown SC '85
I had brought my son Andy, who was in 8th grade to Georgetown to open a B&B, called The Walton House on Prince and Queen, We were in Garden City watching a surfer which turns out to be Greg. He made himself known to us and showed Andy how to surf. He come to visit us and I came to know his talent and how he wanted to paint the low country, I invited him to stay in the carriage house and that began a great relationship, He helped to restore my home and carriage house. Then I got him a job with Steve Rothrock to do a murrell in a house we were working on for plantation tours. That was the beinning of Gregs work in SC. everyone wanted him to do something for them. My family loved Greg, especially my daughter Jennifer Gula(whom we lost in 04) So now they are together talking about old times. We missed you when we moved and it wont be long before we see you again. Love Dixie, Missi and Andy
Shane Allen Gage
Murrells Inlet S.C.
, One evening, Greg and the local Pawleys Island Crew all met at the usual weekend party spot, the Island Country Store, and Smokehouse Brown band was playing that evening. well we all know who was part of the crew! Dee was working and the regular crowd was there. well, we were all enjoying Larry Brown jam, and everybody was dancing and having a great time. Greg was out on the dance floor like he usually did, shaking a leg as he would say, and while the band took a break, a lady who was on vacation, approached Greg and i, and asked us if we were on vacation. Greg said, no mam were locals. and i said, we live like this!!!!
DavidWatkins
Doylestown, OH
Peg and I were painting the dining roomlate one weekend evening. Greg called, he had just got intotown, asked what were doing, when told, he said I'll be right down to paint. Peg and I thought that he was coming to help paint the dining room. He showed up with his paints and equipment and proceded to sit in the middleofthe dining room and paint a picture. That picture hangs in our mother's living room to this day. I will download it as soon as Ican. Peg and I had to work around him the rest of the night. Great memory. djw
Shane Allen Gage
Murrels Inlet S.C
I met Greg Watkins in the spring of 1996 I came up from Charleston S.C. to remodel the # 6 Kentucky Fried Chicken store in Georgetown S.C. on one of my days off, I drove to Pawleys Island to relax and get some good local food. So I went to the Litchfeild Fish House. As I was waiting for my food, I was admiring some original art on the walls. The owner asked me what I thought about the art work. I said that I liked the style. He asked me if I would like to look at a mural that he was having done next door. After I ate, I went to look at the mural. The artist was there. He was a man in Flip_Flops and wearing a Hawaiian shirt. He was doing a Mural of children on a sandy beach around a treasure chest. Bob introduced me as an artist from Charleston. Greg looked at me and said, anybody can say they are an artist! He aske me if I had any of my work that he could look at. I said that I had some sketches of places in Charleston. Greg said that my sketches were good. I told him that I mostly did acrylic paintings,and that I had done only two small murals and i would like to watch and learn.He said sure. he gave me his Georgetowm phone number and to call him on the weekend and he would show me some of his other artwork and we could cook out. So i called Greg that weekend and told him that i would pick up some steaks.He told me to come on over but we would have to cook inside because the Winya Bay was in his yard,and he chuckled. I didnt have a clue of what he meant.Then he told me that it was a good thing that i had a big truck and to pull up as close to the door as i can. so i get down to where his house was and the Winya Bay was 3 feet deep in the yard. So i get as close as i could to the front door and he tells me to " jump on in the house ". So i said, Greg the Bay is four inches below your doorstep. So he laughs and says , yea, i hope that we don"t get a wind out of the north before the tide goes out! and he laughs and says ,the rents cheep! so i tell him that this is what i call waterfront property!! and i said to greg, man you cant beat this ! where else can you catch spotail bass out of your front door? so he tells me, yea man! i dont even have to leave home to go to the fish market!so i said,hell yea! got any crab traps? we can have some surf and turf! we both laughed and we became instant friends. so we put the steaks in the broiler and taters and greens in the pot and he started to show me his artwork, i was amazed! i had no clue how talented this Flip-Flop, French Beret,Hawian shirt wearing, gentle soul,was! So after we ate,we traded storys. I was ready to go, but when i opend the door the bay was one brick shy of comeing into the house and the winya bay was inside the cab of my truck! Looks like your stuck here for the night Shane, Greg says! so i told him my local Charleston ghost storys, and he told me about the gray man and alice. little did i know at the time that i was soon to be employed by Mrs Hope Evans, and to become the caretaker of the Pelican Inn of Pawleys Island and become friends with the Grayman and the Graylady. And years later, my sweetheart and i rent a home in Murrels Inlet S.C. from Ann and Joe Chandler right next to the 1850's original Hermatage, which is the original home of Dr Flagg and alice. but thats another story!! I had heard a few months ago that Greg was back from Ohio and had tried to get in touch with him but i couldnt find out where he was at. I so much wanted to do more artwork with him. Then a few days ago a good friend told me that she had found him. so i called him on the phone, and we talked about the artwork and the fun times we had through the years and the Island Country Store, which is now the P.I.T. and i told him that i would be seeing him! well he is now in the great art gallrey in the sky. i'll see you there one day my friend!!!!! love you man!!!!! Shane Gage
shane allen gage
murrels inlet s c
This is just one of my favorite stories that reminds me of my friend Greg's character. I was at his house watching him carve a life size dolphin from a huge piece of Styrofoam and he called his cat Quikstop. I asked him why he called his cat Quikstop. He told me that he was in his van after getting a few things at the Quickstop he heard a kitten scream and some other strange noises when he saw an owl carrying a kitten off about ten feet in the air. So he yelled at the owl as he jumped out of his van and the kitten started clawing the owl and the owl dropped the kitten. The kitten ran over to Greg and he saved the kitten. He took the kitten home and named him Quikstop. Greg loved animals and nature.