Phillip Travis Watkins

Bishopville, S.C.

Phillip Travis Watkins, 67, of Lamar SC, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2026, at McLeod Hospice House surrounded by his family. Born September 23, 1958, in Florence, SC, he was the son of Wilton Travis Watkins and Barbara Ann Elmore Watkins. He graduated from Bishopville High and pursued a carrier in electrical work. His last full-time employer was Thompson, and he was a multicraft technician at the Caterpillar Plant in Sumter, SC. His last job was a part-time job at Advanced Auto Parts in Bishopville, SC. He enjoyed playing baseball, football and soft ball. He enjoyed serving the Lord with starting Faith Ministry that took Gods message to retirement homes in the Lee County and Darlington County area for little over 9 years. He loved worshiping and speaking at the church he attended, Daystar Mission in Bishopville, SC.

 He is preceded in death by his parents Wilton Travis Watkins and Barbara Ann Elmore Watkins; his parents-in-law Willard Buddin “Bill” Skinner and Laura Elizabeth Harris Skinner; his brother David Russell Watkins; his sister-in-law Carolyn Skinner Stockdell; his niece Laura Ann Stockdell Riley; Brother in law, Sammy Bell; Uncle, Eldridge Watkins (Ellen); Aunt, Cora Odom (Cephus); Uncle Lavander Elmore (Faye). 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Josey Ruth Skinner Watkins; his daughter Melissa (Nathan) Feeney of Sumter SC; his sister Beverly (Randy) Schoenecker of Florence SC; his Uncle John Elmore Camden SC; sister –in-law Frances Bell Bishopville SC, Jacqueline Skinner Reardon (William) Clemson SC, Gloria Kay Skinner Grant (Emmett) Alliston Ontrio Canada, brother-in law Williard Buddin ‘Bill” Skinner, Jr (Brenda) Anderson SC, Henry Lee “Jack” Skinner (Angie) Winston Salem NC and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

 Visitation will be held on August 20th at Daystar Mission 318 Harris Street, Bishopville South Carlina at 10:00 AM with service to follow at 11:00 AM and burial at Wayside Baptist Church Cemetery, Lee State Park Road, Bishopville, SC directed by Norton Funeral Home, Bishopville Chapel.

 If you wish to make a gift in remembrance of Phil the family requests that donations, be made to McLeod Hospice House, 1203 E Cheves Street, Florence, SC 29506 and Daystar Mission Church C/O Deborah Stokes, 2070 Lucknow Road Bishopville, SC 29010. The family would like to extend our gratitude for all the love and support we have received from our church family, family and friends.

Norton Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Watkins family.