Death of a shipmate
Runner485
Posted 2008-09-16 8:01 AM (#19696)


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Posts: 2693

Location: New Jersey
Subject: Death of a shipmate

Just heard this morning that Charles H. "Sam" Watkins, RMCM (SS) passed away on August 31, 2008.

Sam and I were shipmates and at the time he was an RM1, when during our '63 Med Cruise he was the RM that took the message that my wife had given birth to my second son, Ron. We were submerged in the Indian Ocean at the time. Sirago came up to the Brklyn Navy yards in May of '64. This was a few months after I had been discharged in Feb. We all drove to the yards and he was the first to greet us topside. I intro's my wife to him and I was carrying my newest son Ron. He held him as we went down the fwd torp room hatch.

Sam was definitely one of the good guys.

Sailor rest your oar.
Hand salute
Ralph Luther
Posted 2008-09-16 8:20 AM (#19699 - in reply to #19696)
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Posts: 6180

Location: Summerville, SC
Subject: RE: Death of a shipmate

It's always tough having a Shipmate and friend depart on Eternal Patrol. Condolences to you and the family.