Thomas L Watkins

July 16, 1952 - September 14, 2017
Thomas L Watkins

WATKINS, Thomas L., 65

Thomas Linnane Watkins passed away September 14, 2017, at his home in Urbanna after a tough fight with cancer. Tom was preceded in death by his father, Alfred P. Watkins, his mother, Delia L. Watkins, and the love of his life, his wife, Wrengay R. Watkins.

Tom was born July 16, 1952, in Richmond, Virginia. He was a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a degree in social work, and a graduate of the College of William and Mary with a Juris Doctorate. Tom practiced law for nearly 40 years, working as a prosecutor, in private practice, and for most of his career as an attorney for the Virginia Indigent Defense Council. Tom served as deputy public defender in Virginia Beach before leading the VIDC offices in the City of Franklin then the City of Hampton before retiring in 2013.

Tom is survived by his daughter, Erin W. Moskalski (Travis) of West Point, his elder brother, Alfred P. Watkins (Mickey) of Lexington, and his sister, Linda W. Hamilton of Midlothian, as well as two granddaughters, Juliana Linnane and Claire Paige, to whom he was a most beloved “Baba.”

Tom will be remembered for his formidable intelligence, crackling wit, adventurous spirit, and devotion to his family.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 30th at 11 am at Bucktrout Funeral Home in Williamsburg. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Civil Liberties Union.


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  • September 20, 2017
    Rick says:
    A good man who helped many find Justice. Great wit. Already missed.

  • September 20, 2017
    pat cannon says:
    He was a dedicated advocate for justice and a terrific human being. I am not surprised he held a degree in social work. Compassionate, quick witted, and intuitive. I loved him and he was both my boss, for a time, and my friend.

  • September 21, 2017
    Mark & Karen Trimper says:
    Tom saved our lives when he was my husband's defense attorney in Va Beach. He was a wonderful man and such a great advocate for justice. We will miss him greatly.

  • September 21, 2017
    Tommy Potter says:
    As a young police officer it was always challenging in court when Tom was at the defense table. He always put up a fight for his clients. After court, we would crack jokes for a good 30 minutes, shake hands and get ready for the next court battle.

  • September 21, 2017
    susan hansen says:
    great retirement advice and a fun compadre during all those public defender meetings! RIP