Woody Watkins

Patrick, SC

Mr. Wendell “Woody” Watkins, age 71, of Patrick, South Carolina, entered into rest on the evening of June 23, 2025, at MUSC Health Florence Medical Center, surrounded by his loved ones. 

A Celebration of Life memorial service with military honors will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Bay Springs Baptist Church by Pastor Tracy Gooding. In memory of Woody, the family requests that all in attendance wear comfortable and upbeat clothing. 

Mr. Watkins was born on February 14, 1954 in Hazard, Kentucky to the late Charlie and Esther Watkins. Mr. Watkins was a U.S. Navy Veteran and enjoyed flying in the military aircraft. Woody was the proud owner and caretaker of the “3 Brothers Christmas Tree Farm”, named in honor of his three grandsons. An outdoorsman, he could often be found hunting and fishing. Mr. Watkins was a faithful member of Bay Springs Baptist Church. Woody had a true servant’s heart and demonstrated his love for the Lord by his willingness to care for the needs of the church and always being ready to help others. One of the things he most enjoyed was the time spent with his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Watkins was preceded in death by siblings, Charles Watkins, Edith Browning, Janice Townsend, Suzanne McFarland, Ellen Dale Harrison, Clara Jean Ritchie, Clarence Watkins, and Jackie Watkins.

Survivors include his beloved wife of the home, Joyce Burkett Watkins; daughters, Briana (Patrick) Savago of Charlotte, NC; Christy Sims of Pensacola, FL; grandsons, Liam, Connor, Bastion; granddaughter, Railynn; siblings, Larry (Joan) Watkins, Thelma Campbell, and Earl (Norma) Watkins.

Memorials may be made to the STAR Institute (www.sensoryhealth.org).

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the doctors, nurses and staff of the MICU of MUSC-Florence and the ICU of Carolina Pines. A special thank you to Dr. Iva Smolens and Dr. Mohamad Zein.

Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) of Chesterfield, SC is serving the Watkins family.