James "J.C." Watkins, Jr.

James Clarence “J.C.” Watkins, Jr. died in his home on September 25, 2019. He was 94.

J.C. was born in the County of Aiken, Township of Chinquapin on March 10, 1925 to his parents James Clarence, Sr. and Fannie Wheeler Watkins. He was married to the late Henrietta Redfern Watkins for 57 years.

J.C. served in the Army during World War II. He retired from (DuPont) Savannah River Site of Separations Works Engineering in the E & I Department after 30 years. He also served as a board member for Aiken County Public Schools. He prided himself as being known as a farmer and a man of God. He was a member of Mt. Ebal his entire life. As an adult he continued to serve God at Mt. Ebal in many roles including deacon and Sunday school teacher up until he was no longer able to attend.

He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, William J. “Bill” Watkins, Dennis J. (Paula) Watkins, and Timothy J. (Michelle) Watkins; brothers, John E. (Merlyn) Watkins and Maxie W. (Judy) Watkins; grandchildren, Benji (Vickie) Watkins, Micah Watkins, Emzi (Drew) Wewers, Ryan (Brittany) Watkins, Britt (Corey) Carver, Ben (Erika) Watkins, Caleb Watkins, and Metta Watkins; great grandchildren, Zed, Harper, Lynlee, Quinn, Cyrus, Lydia, and Emmie; and a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by daughter-in-law, Susan H. Watkins; brothers, F.M. “Jack” Watkins and Herbert Watkins; sisters, Rachel Connelly, Louise Rogers, and Mary Katherine Watkins.

The family would like to thank Sallie Hair and Othie Holmes for their long time care and others that have contributed to our father’s care during this long illness.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, September 28, at Mt. Ebal Baptist Church. Visitation with the family will be held 1 hour prior to the service in the fellowship hall and after the graveside in the church’s activity building.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Ebal Baptist Church, 5 Lion Loop, Batesburg, SC 29006.