The legacy of Sam Watkins is alive and well – flourishing, in fact.
Watkins died 10 years ago – family and friends no doubt still experience the void, but perhaps the grief has softened a bit and is slowly replaced by fond memories of a man who cared so much for his community.
Not only was he a successful businessman – president of Rose Oil Co. – but Watkins was a staunch supporter of the town where he grew up and he was determined to make it a better place.
No doubt his name will forever be associated with what originally was called the Embassy Cultural Center Foundation. Today, the community knows it as McGregor Hall and the Perry Memorial Library.
The new public library opened in 2007, and Watkins was able to see the first half of the vision become a reality.
McGregor Hall, the 1,000-seat theater that occupies the space opposite the library, opened its doors in 2014, the same year that Watkins died.
At the time of his passing, his brother George said it was Sam’s love of this community that compelled him to make sure the cultural arts center was completed.
“It was vital for Vance County to survive in a manner you could be proud of,” George told WIZS News in 2014.
Since it opened, McGregor Hall has attracted quality concerts, shows and more to its stage for the community to enjoy. It rebounded after the pandemic and continues to provide entertainment for individuals in this community and beyond.
It was Sam’s vision to make the cultural center – the venue now called McGregor Hall – an asset for the community, both culturally and economically.
“We’re gonna do it,” George said in that 2014 interview.
“He never relented until he accomplished what he wanted to accomplish,” George said of his twin. “And he was good at it.”
Yes, he was.
And a grateful community continues to benefit from the vision that Sam Watkins had.
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