Samuel Harrison Watkins

Born in Thomasville, GA to Annie Heald and Heber Harrison Watkins. He was voted “Most Dependable” in Thomas County’s Central High School class of 1964. Sam played center for the Yellow Jackets, was a trainer/manager for the baseball team, and an active member of many clubs and organizations. He attended the University of Georgia in Athens before enlisting in the US Air Force. Serving for two tours of duty in the 6921st Security Wing in Misawa, Japan. Sam obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant before being Honorably Discharged.

Returning to Thomasville, he was again an active member of the community, chairing the local Jaycees and working in sales. There he met Harriet Williams, who would be his partner for the next 51 years. Sam and Harriet enjoyed spending quality time with their dogs and friends, sailing the Gulf of Mexico and traveling together before starting a family and eventually moving to Lake Mary, FL by way of Calhoun, GA. Always a great conversationalist, Sam was a stellar salesman who won every sales race, ensuring vacations and cruises for the couple throughout his career.

A sports car enthusiast and Regional Executive of the Central Florida SCCA, he worked communications and corners at races such as the 12 hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Daytona. He participated in and designed TSD Rallies, often with his son Hugh as navigator. He found particular pleasure driving along the backroads, where he discovered hidden spots for stargazing and bird watching, along with several hole-in-the-wall restaurants with the best fresh fish and BBQ you could imagine.

Sam was a Scout Leader for Pack 242 of the Cub Scouts. An artist and craftsman, he took great pride in building tree forts, carving birds, and creating water features for his yard. Sam was also an avid and passionate sports fan, especially fond of his Georgia Bulldogs and was thrilled to watch them win back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022. He was a skillful crafter of ad hoc solutions, tinkerer of things, grower of vegetables, and smoker of delicious meats and cheeses. A consummate storyteller, he was always able to come up with a relevant tale or fun fact, while also peppering in quotes from his favorite movies or TV shows. Sam loved his family and his dogs, especially Bogart “Bogie” Watkins who kept Sam on a very strict feeding schedule.

Sam is survived by his wife Harriet Williams Watkins, Lake Mary, FL; daughter Samantha Watkins and her spouse Mark Siew, San Francisco, CA; and his son Hugh Watkins and his spouse Allyssa Anderson, Orlando, FL.

Sam will be laid to rest in a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the ACLU or Fair Fight.

We, at Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home West Chapel appreciate the service of Samuel Harrison Watkins and it has been our honor and privilege to serve his family.