Robert Farris Watkins, Sr.

SPARTANBURG.SC:  Robert Farris Watkins, Sr., 85, entered eternal rest Wednesday, September 06, 2017.  A native of Kershaw County, he was the son of the late Jesse Brannon Watkins and Margaret Carolyn Davis Watkins. He was the husband of the late Edna Newsom Watkins for 52 years, second wife the late Mary Beth Caldwell for 9 years, and his current wife in Christ and companion, Nellene Thackston.  He was the youngest and last surviving of six brothers and four sisters.

Mr. Watkins was a former member of Morningside Baptist Church, where he was recognized for his service with the Outreach Ministry which continued to be a major part of his life throughout the years. He was a Master Mason and a current member of Hibernia Baptist Church, Florida.  He enjoyed a productive career with Pilot Life Insurance Company, initially working in the Home Office, Greensboro, N.C, before moving to Spartanburg in 1975, where he was appointed District Manager for Spartanburg and later the Greenville District.  He was a man of integrity, a true Southern gentleman who had a great love for his family. In addition, he loved fishing, horticulture, and Bible Study. 

Mr. Watkins is survived by son, Robert. F. Watkins, Jr. and wife, Dr. Jane G. Watkins of Spartanburg; daughter, Dr. Kim A. Watkins, and husband, Richard Erkus of Spartanburg; a grandson, Niles Huntington “Hunter” Brown and wife, Megan S. Brown of Spartanburg, and a granddaughter, Leslie Ann Cash and husband, Dr. Brandon M. Cash of Moore, SC; three great-grandchildren, Hayden Michael Robert Cash, Ella Grace Cash, and Walton Farris Brown; and expecting a fourth great grandchild, Baby Brown.

The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 9, 2017, at Bobo Funeral Chapel, 1860 Cannons Campground Rd., Spartanburg, SC  29307 followed by funeral services at 2:00 p.m. with Chaplain Cindy Adair Inman officiating.  Committal will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home, 686 Jeff Davis Dr., Spartanburg, SC, 29303.

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