SPOKANE, Wash. — Happy Watkins, a prominent reverend and pastor emeritus at New Hope Baptist Church, has passed away at the age of 82.
Spokane City Council President Betsy Wilkerson announced Watkins’ death in a Facebook post, highlighting his deep ties to the community since relocating to Spokane in 1961. “He was a Spokanite in heart and soul,” Wilkerson wrote.
Watkins was known for his annual recitation of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, honoring the legacy of the civil rights leader following King’s assassination. He was also a founding board member of The Fig Tree, a local nonprofit dedicated to promoting social justice.
“My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to his family and to his church during this tragic loss for our community,” Wilkerson added. “He served our community with a heart of gold.”
Former City Council President Ben Stuckart echoed Wilkerson’s sentiments, stating on Facebook, “What a meaningful life and such a good man.”
