William Obid Watts

William Obid Watts, 93, of West Columbia, South Carolina passed away on Friday, November 1, 2024. He was born on October 26, 1931, to the late Martha Grace Rhodes and Samuel Grier Watts in Horry County, SC.

Billy, as he was known, began a career in law enforcement when he enlisted in the US Air Force in 1951 and was assigned to the 811th Air Police Squadron. Upon his discharge he joined the Conway SC police department and rose to the rank of Sergeant. He then accepted a position with the City of Columbia Police department where he once again rose to the rank of Sergeant. He worked for the City of Columbia until his retirement. Not one to sit around he joined the ranks of the VA Police Department where he served at the Dorn VA Hospital. Upon his retirement from there his life of service continued as a Trustee, a Sunday School Teacher, and Chairperson of the Benevolence Committee of Laurel Baptist Church. Billy also served his community as a Master Mason in Cayce Lodge # 384 for 63 years. Up into his eighties he could often be found cutting grass or tilling gardens or otherwise assisting the ”elderly.” His hobby of vegetable gardening also continued well into his late eighties. He was a loving brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend who lived his life above reproach.

He is survived by his sons, Samuel Keith Watts (Becky), William Clinton Watts (Patsy), his grandchildren, Kyle Watts (Stephanie), McKenzie Watts, and Jackson Watts, all in the West Columbia-Cayce area. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Lilly, Luke, and Liam. He is additionally survived by three siblings, Lucretia McCarty (Lane) of West Columbia, Ray Watts (Bethel) and Diane Vaught (Buddy), both of Loris, SC. Also still living is Shelby Watts of West Columbia the mother of his children. He is survived as well by his lifelong friend Herman Gerald of West Columbia.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a son Bryan Walter Watts of West Columbia and brothers Johnny Watts of Loris, Kenneth Watts of Columbia, and Dan Watts of Lexington SC.

A visitation for Mr. Watts will be held Wednesday, November 6, 2024, from 12:30 PM to 1:45 PM at Laurel Baptist Church, 2250 Pine Street, West Columbia, South Carolina 29170, with a funeral service to follow at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow the service at Southland Memorial Gardens, 700 West Dunbar Road, West Columbia, South Carolina 29170.

Memorials can be made in his honor to the Columbia Police Department Foundation.

The family would like to extend a warm thank you to those who helped care for him in the last months of his life. The staffs of Jenni-Lynn Assisted Living Facility, Lexington Medical Center, Lexington Medical Center Extended Care, and the Lexington Community Hospice House.