Jul/10/1937 – Aug/17/2024
Powers Funeral Home
1937
Thomas Julian Watkins was born on 10 Jul 1937 in Camden, Kershaw, South Carolina, USA a child of Joseph T Watkins and Iva Mae Brannon Watkins.
1940
Thomas J Watkins was counted in the census on 15 Apr 1940 in De Kalb, Kershaw, South Carolina, USA, as a 2-year-old, male, single, white, son. Also in the home were; his father, Joseph L Watkins; his mother, Ina M Watkins; and his sister, Laura J. Watkins.
1950
Thomas J Watkins was counted in the census on 06 Apr 1950 in De Kalb, Kershaw, South Carolina, USA, as a 12-year-old, male, single, white, son. Also in the home were; his father, Joe T Watkins; his mother, Iva M Watkins; and his brother, John R Watkins.
1958
When he was 20, he married Elaine McDaniel about 1958.
2024
He died on 17 Aug 2024 in Bethune, Kershaw, South Carolina, USA.
Obituary of Thomas Julian Watkins
Bethune – Thomas Julian Watkins, 87, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Saturday, August 17, 2024. Born in Camden, he was the son of the late Joseph T. and Iva Mae Brannon Watkins. He retired from the United States Navy and served in the Korean War. He was a member of the VFW, USO and the Navy Memorial Program. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, model Railroads and carpentry. Mr. Watkins was a member of Oakridge Baptist Church in Kershaw.
Surviving are his wife of 66 yrs, Elaine McDaniel Watkins; daughter, Kathy Watkins of Charleston; son, Darrell Watkins of Bishopville; brother, John Watkins; and grandson, Seth Ryan Watkins. He was predeceased by sister, Laura Lee; and daughter-in-law, Susan Watkins.
Services will be private.
Uncle Tom,
I am truly sorry I didn’t know of your funeral in time to attend. Aunt Elaine, along with your beautiful adult children, has spearheaded the annual Watkins-DeMarco Family Thanksgiving Gathering. You were especially included in our meal blessing; to be remembered always. We are all thankful and blessed to have gotten close enough to share your personal talents and wisdom. I know I’ve told you before you passed, but I will always cherish and protect the beautiful cradle you made for Rick and me while expecting our firstborn. I may be a little too proud and protective of the exquisite carpentry skills you used to handcraft the beautiful surprise gift you gave us. I haven’t let either of my children, who enjoyed many naps in it, have it for their own children. I know it’s a family heirloom, but I don’t know if I can give up my ability to, at any time I choose, look at it and revel in such loving memories of my babies napping safely in a beautiful gift that was blessed by you, while thinking of my family and me as you crafted the cradle with your own hands. Peace and joy be with you in the arms of Jesus, and all your relatives who arrived in your heavenly home before you.
Much love to you.