Wroten Billy Watkins

 

Wroten Billy Watkins, 102 of Eutawville, South Carolina, passed away on Sunday, August 13, 2023 with his family by his side.

Born on October 26, 1920 in Eutawville, SC he was the son of the late Beulah Watkins (Rourke) and Wroten Watkins.

“Mr. Billy”, as he was known to the community, was born in Eutawville. He graduated from Eutawville High School. Shortly after, in 1942, at age 22, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and was stationed in Ohio. While there, he was a flight line mechanic on B-17 bombers and later a hydraulic systems instructor.

He married the love of his life, Julia Lee Beatty, in 1953. They lived in Baltimore, MD for a short time where Julia Lee taught school while he received a degree in electronics. He briefly worked for Westinghouse before returning to run the family gas station business in Eutawville.

After settling back in his hometown, Billy and Julia Lee built and moved into their forever home where they raised their two sons. “The Gulf station”, located on main street, became a community gathering place where locals would come to talk and catch up. He continued to run the business until he retired.

Sadly, after his retirement, Julia Lee was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Billy never left her side and tended to her every need for the remainder of their 59 years together before she passed in their home in 2013.

He was a devoted member of the Eutawville United Methodist Church throughout his lifetime. He was the embodiment of what a good Christian should be. He put Christ at the forefront of his marriage, the raising of his children, and life in general. He led by example and was very well respected because of his compassionate nature. He was also recently inducted as a lifetime member of the Vance Masonic Lodge.

He was an avid sports fan and also a good athlete in his youth, but baseball was his favorite. He rarely missed a New York Yankees or Atlanta Braves game on tv.

He will be especially remembered for his gentle demeanor, willingness to lend a helping hand, and joy he brought to all he was around.

Mr. Billy is preceded in death by Julia Lee Beatty Watkins (Wife), Cherrie Watkins Smith (Sister), Bonnie Risher (Niece) and Ray W. Smith (Nephew).

Mr. Billy is survived by children, William (Gayle) Watkins and Matthew Watkins, three grandchildren: Ben Watkins, Brian Watkins and Emily (Patrick) Walters, and five nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, August 16, 2023 from 10-11am at the Eutawville United Methodist Church.  A service will follow at 11am.  Burial will conclude at the Eutawville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Eutawville United Methodist Church.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at avingerfh.com/

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Avinger Funeral Home, 2274 Eutaw Rd, Holly Hill, SC 29059, 803-496-3434