by Dr. Kevin E. Fields, Sr.

It is with a heavy heart and profound respect that Louisville Central Community Centers (LCCC) announces the passing of our former President and CEO, Samuel E. Watkins Jr., who passed away on Friday, March 20th in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Architect of Old Walnut Street

The culmination of Sam’s 29-year career is best witnessed at the Old Walnut Street campus. A 110,000-square-foot mixed-use development in the heart of Jefferson County’s most economically challenged census tract, the campus was Sam’s answer to decades of disinvestment.

After years of advising Mayors Jerry Abramson, Dave Armstrong, and Greg Fischer on the economic revitalization needs of west Louisville, Sam decided to lead by example. Under his leadership, a vision became a reality that now serves as a catalyst for economic transformation. Today, Old Walnut Street, located at 1300 W. Muhammad Ali Boulevard (40203), is the proud home of:

• The Grand Lyric Theater and the Old Walnut Plaza Business Incubator.
• The Old Walnut Street Family Strengthening Center.
• The LCCC Corporate Headquarters and its Family Services Division.
• A thriving ecosystem of tenants dedicated to the revitalization of West Louisville.

A Legend on the Court and in the Community

Before his decades of service in Louisville, Sam was a standout student-athlete at the University of Evansville. A key member of their legendary basketball program, Sam was inducted into the University’s Hall of Fame in 1977. His impact was so significant that his teammate, NBA legend Jerry Sloan, specifically recognized Sam during his own induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame, a testament to the respect Sam commanded in every arena of his life.

His Final Vision: The Grand Lyric Theater

In a moving tribute to his lasting legacy, Sam’s memorial service will be held at the new Grand Lyric Theater at LCCC. This 330-seat performing arts venue was Sam’s "baby", a vision he led from conception through design. At Sam’s personal request, one of his final wishes was for the community to gather in this space to honor his life, marking one of the very first major engagements for the theater he and I worked so tirelessly to build.

A Personal Tribute

"I am eternally grateful for Sam’s mentorship and his trust in me to carry his vision forward. Being hand-selected by him as part of his succession plan is the greatest honor of my career. I will forever be indebted to him for his guidance, and our community remains forever changed by his lifelong commitment."

Expressions of Sympathy

Sam’s wife, Judith ("Judy"), and the Watkins family express their sincere gratitude for the community's support. At the family's request, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Louisville Central Community Centers, the organization that remained Sam’s greatest professional passion for thirty years.

Service Information and Inquiries

Plans for the memorial service at the Grand Lyric Theater will be announced in the coming days. For all media or community inquiries, please contact:

Dr. Kevin E. Fields, Sr.

President/CEO, LCCC

Email: kfields@lcccnews.org

Phone: 502-583-8821