Today I stopped in to the Watkins Shoe Shop on West Peace Street in downtown Raleigh. I've walked past it numerous times before and admired the vintage Michael Jordan posters aligning the walls. I spoke with Reggie, the proud son of the store's founder, Willie Watkins, Jr. Reggie explained his father respected the Wilmington, NC native and UNC Tarheel for his "ability to rise to the top and excel", therefore he covered his walls with classic Jordan prints from the 80's and early 90's (no Wizards posters!).
Willie Watkins Jr. was born in 1926, started shining shoes at the age of 13, enlisted in the Navy and eventually made his way back to North Carolina where he opened his own shoe store. He passed away several years ago but his children, Elaine, Derrick and Reggie have kept the family tradition going. He always instructed them to "do something with your life".
Reggie was well versed in the current happenings in basketball, in both conversation and with the noticeable Sports Illustrated's strewn about the store. We talked about Jordan and LeBron. We talked about the different posters and images on the wall. It's a nice place with even nicer people working inside. Thanks to Reggie for his hospitality and the next time you're in Raleigh and need a shoe repair, stop in and enjoy some of the scenery shown below.
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