Carl Bryan "Buddy" Watkins

December 10, 2020

Mr. Carl Bryan “Buddy” Watkins, 66, of Lancaster passed away Thursday, December 10, 2020 at Piedmont Medical Center in Rock Hill. He was born June 29, 1954 in Lancaster, a son of the late Benjamin Lenford Watkins, Jr. and Barbara Myers Watkins. Mr. Watkins graduated from Lancaster High School and then enrolled at the University of South Carolina where he graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice. He was employed at the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office until his retirement with the rank of Lieutenant. In retirement, Buddy continued to serve and protect the community as a resource officer at Lancaster and Buford High Schools. He led a very active life with interests in several areas outside of law enforcement. Buddy was a talented musician who played many different instruments with his favorite being the drums. He also enjoyed reading and was a published author. Buddy was a Mason and he was a kind and loving person who leaves behind many friends who loved him greatly. He enjoyed his grandchildren and was a proud Papa and he was most loved. A service to celebrate the life of Mr. Watkins will be held Sunday, December 13, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Lancaster Funeral Home with the Rev. Dr. Brian Saxon officiating. Mr. Watkins will lie in repose one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the Lancaster Memorial Park. Mr. Watkins is survived by his loving wife of thirty two years, Christine Taylor Watkins; a son, Phillip Ryan Watkins of Lancaster; a daughter, Anna Watkins Beckham (Jonathan) of Heath Springs; a brother, Benjamin Lenford Watkins, III (Cynthia) of Rock Hill; a sister, Laura Watkins Biggerstaff of Greer; and two grandchildren, Alston and Banks. Memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation. Lancaster Funeral Home & Cremation Service is serving the family of Mr. Watkins.