James Edward Watkins

James Edward “Joe” Watkins, 78, of Florence, passed away on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. Mr. Watkins was born in Hartsville, SC, a son of the late Joseph Parks Watkins and Erby Louise Register Watkins. He was a graduate of McClenaghan High School, class of 1962. He was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church and the Friendship Sunday School Class. He was a Veteran of the United States Marine Corp and served in Vietnam. He retired from G.E. Medical Systems. Joe was preceded in death by his parents and by a daughter, Stephanie Brooke Watkins. Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Anne Fowler Watkins of Florence; daughter, Erin Watkins Johnson (David) of Columbia; granddaughter, Parks Johnson. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Friday, January 20, 2023 at St. Paul United Methodist Church, with the family to receive friends immediately following the service at the church. Burial will be held at 1:00 pm Friday, January 20, 2023 at Florence National Cemetery directed by Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home.