Luther Alexander Watlington, Jr., 78, of Greensboro, passed away on Sunday, February 7, 2021.

Luther was born in Greensboro on June 13, 1942 to the late Luther Watlington, Sr. and Thelma McCullough. He grew up in the Mount Zion community where he attended Mount Zion AME church and played baseball, the game he loved. He attended Mount Zion Elementary school and Dudley High School where he was a member of their first baseball team.

He received a B.A. degree from North Carolina A&T State University in business administration and was a member of the 1961 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Championship Baseball Team. He was also a member of the Gold Helmet Club, which raised money to build the first football stadium on the campus of North Carolina A&T State University, now known as BB&T Stadium.

Upon graduation, Luther worked for JCPenney in Rockville, Maryland and returned home to work for Burlington Industries in 1965 where he was the first African American to work in the accounting department. Alongside his 34 years at Burlington Industries, he worked 49 years for H&R Block as a seasonal tax consultant, again, being the first African American in the city of Greensboro.

Always a man of first, he became the first African American to serve as a member of the Greensboro Jaycees (The Greensboro Junior Chamber of Commerce). He was recommended by Jim Melvin, former mayor of Greensboro.

His love of numbers led him to auditing ABC stores and being the treasure of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) during their first school expansion from 1979 until 1998.

An avid sportsman, he played baseball, tennis, bowling, softball, and coached youth baseball for many years. He also loved playing the lottery, coordinating various lottery clubs across the country.

In addition, he enjoyed watching television, Jeopardy and classic westerns to name a few. He often talked about those thrilling days of yesteryear watching and collecting B-Movies and serials from his childhood. It wasn't a good week if he didn't have fried fish for dinner.

Much beloved by those who knew him, he could connect with anyone regardless of their station in life. He did taxes for those who could not afford a professionally prepared tax return and gave financial advice in a way that was achievable.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marva Lennon Watlington; daughter Rhonda A. Watlington of Mooresville, NC; son Bryan K. D. Watlington of Greensboro, NC; and brother Ronald Watlington, Sr. of Greensboro, NC, special friend John Smith of Kernersville, NC; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

A public viewing will be held Tuesday, February 16, 2021; 12 noon – 5 p.m. at Hargett Funeral Home, 905 East Market Street, Greensboro, NC.

Due to COVID, the family will hold a private burial.  You can view the service at https://vimeo.com/513820792 the password is watlington021721

In lieu of flowers, the family of Mr. Luther Alexander Watlington, Jr. '64 is humbly requesting donations be made to North Carolina A&T State University, designated to AAF Baseball in his memory. Gifts can be mailed to Advancement Operations c/o North Carolina A&T State University, University Advancement, 1601 East Market Street, Suite 400, Greensboro, NC 27411. By making a gift to support AAF Baseball you are helping to provide much needed funds for our deserving student athletes representing our university on the field while pursuing degrees in various disciplines.

Please make any checks payable to: The Aggie Athletic Foundation - Baseball. Credit card gifts can also be made through our secure giving link by visiting: https://app.mobilecause.com/form/BB16_A?vid=f38e9 or by smart phone: Text AGGIEBASEBALL to 41444.
You are invited to share memories or offer condolences at www.hargettfuneral.com