Robert Eugene Watkins

Robert was born on a warm September day in 1924. The youngest child and only male among five siblings, he grew up on a large dairy farm on the outskirts of Columbia, South Carolina. His father owned the farm until ill health forced a move to Camden, South Carolina, which necessitated a more sedentary lifestyle. After graduating from Camden schools, where he developed a lifelong love of woodworking and a strong understanding of math and numbers, he enlisted in the Army as World War II beckoned.

In June 1943, he was inducted at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and completed advanced training at the Army Administrative School. Robert was sent to Hawaii, where he served as a Sergeant in a medical battalion. He was separated from the Army in 1946. In the early 1950s, he was called back into service during the Korean Conflict and stationed at Fitzsimons Army Hospital in Denver, where he managed the admissions of soldiers returning from the Korean theater.

After the war, Robert returned to Camden, where he and his wife reared three children. He managed business operations for a manufacturing company, owned a local hotel, and later became a New York Life agent. He was active in his church and community, serving as a member of the Rescue Squad. He remains a member of the American Legion. Just last year, he moved into assisted living, where he enjoys walking, playing Skip-Bo, working on jigsaw puzzles, and receiving visits from family.