Ted F. Watkins

A funeral service for Ted F. Watkins, 87, of Bethune, will be held at 11:00 o’clock a.m., Saturday, September 2, in the sanctuary of Timrod Baptist Church. The Revs. Jeremy Ussery, Jackie Knight and Derrick McManus will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Masonic rites.

A visitation will be held Friday, September 1, from 6:00 to 8:00 o’clock p.m. at Baker Funeral Home, Kershaw and other times at the home.

Mr. Watkins died Wednesday, August 30, in KershawHealth, Camden. Born in Bethune, he was a son of the late Sid and Janie Newman Watkins.

Surviving are his loving wife of 68 years, Joy Blackmon Watkins of the home; his daughter, Cindy (Dennis) Booth of Aiken; 2 granddaughters, Erin (Scott) Truitt of Aiken and Ashley (Will) DesChamps of Charleston; a great granddaughter, Cannon Truitt and anxiously awaiting the birth of 2 more great grandchildren later this year. Also surviving are his brother-in-law, Keith (Eloise) Blackmon of Bethune and loyal friend, his dog , Buddy. He was preceded in death by 4 sisters, Willie Mae Redick, Juanita Plummer, Dorothy Horton and Ethel Lee Hopkins and 4 brothers, W.C. Watkins, Olin Watkins, Paul Watkins and Fred Watkins.

Mr. Watkins retired from the Dupont Co. where he was a former fire fighter, a founding member and volunteer of Bethune Rescue Squad, former President of Bethune Rural Water Board, a deacon at Timrod Baptist Church and a board member of May Plant Credit Union and the SC Forestry Commission for 20 years. He was a master Mason, recently receiving his 50 year recognition and a Shriner.

Mr. Watkins enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, fishing, and riding around his pond with his wife Joy and his dog, Buddy. In earlier years, he loved to be Santa at family and church gatherings (he had a twinkle in his eyes just like Santa). He loved family! He loved meeting new people and often invited them to spend time at his pond. Mr. Watkins was fun loving and generous. He was adored by his family. He was a special husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Timrod Baptist Church or the charity of one’s choice.