Robert Watkins

1924 - 2026

Robert E. (Bob) Watkins died on February 9, at the age of 101. He had a wonderfully long and good life. Funeral services were held at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 13, 2026, at First Baptist Church, 1201 Broad Street, Camden, SC 29020. Barry Rush officiated. Interment followed at Quaker Cemetery, 713 Meeting Street, Camden.

Bob was born in Columbia, South Carolina, as the only son of the late Robert Coleman and Harriett Hadley Watkins. He was a lifelong resident of Camden where he married, became a devoted father and excelled as an accountant and certified life underwriter. Ever entrepreneurial, in the 1960's he built and managed one of the original Route 1 hotels. Always active, he served on numerous committees and was a deacon at First Baptist Church. He was a skilled local baseball player, an able gardener, an avid Atlanta Braves fan and a dedicated Kershaw County Rescue Squad volunteer. After retirement, Bob enjoyed travel, many rounds of golf, adept woodworking, days of fishing and lively games of Rook with friends.

Bob was a proud member of the Greatest Generation. During WWII, he served in the Pacific Theater in Hawaii and later in the Korean Conflict where he managed casualties at Denver's Fitzsimmons Army Hospital. After returning to Camden, he was a member of the American Legion Post.

Bob dearly loved and was loved by his family. He was the widower of Edna Earle Moseley Watkins and Elizabeth Hendrix Morris Watkins. He is survived by children, Julia Watkins Seward, of Richmond, VA, and Cynthia Watkins Wofford (David), of Charleston; grandchildren, Julia Hadley Seward (Pree Rao), and Robert Watkins Sires Wofford (Katie); great-grandchildren, Alexander Carey Rao, Avery Caroline Rao, Sloan Caroline Wofford, and many nieces and nephews. Bob is also survived by stepsons, Ken Morris (Vicki), and Stan Morris (Karen); step-grandchildren, Ben, Gray, Kristin, Megan, and Jordan; step-great-grandchildren, Claire and James.

He is predeceased by his son, Robert E (Bobby) Watkins, Junior; granddaughter, Caroline Gray Wofford, and sisters Aletha, Dottie, Bea and Mae.

The family extends profound thanks to the staffs at Pinedale Residential Center and Patriot's Village where he lived during the last two years of his life.

Memorials may be made to the Quaker Guardian Angels, PO Box 788, Camden, SC 29021.

Kornegay Funeral Home, Camden Chapel, was in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be left online for the Watkins family at www.kornegayfuneral.com.