John Pressley Watkins

COLUMBIA John Pressley Watkins, Sr., 81, of Columbia, SC, died Friday, December 19, 2025, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He was born in Whitmire, SC, on July 25, 1944, to Howard and Mary Baker Watkins.

As a child, his family moved over 20 times around the South Carolina area due to his father’s career with the Seaboard Coastline Railroad as a brakeman. He learned quickly to make new friends as the new kid in town, developing a cheerful and engaging personality that would last throughout his lifetime. The most important friend he made was in the ninth grade in North Augusta when he met Marcia Hair, who would become his wife of 60 years.

After graduating from Spartanburg High School in 1962, he matriculated into the Clemson University School of Architecture. He married Marcia in 1965 and received a Degree in Architecture from Clemson University in 1968. In 1969, he became a Seabee in the U.S. Navy where he served one tour in Da Nang, Vietnam, followed by a second tour in Okinawa. He and Marcia had a son, John Jr. in 1968. The family lived in Okinawa until the end of his overseas tour in 1970.

After working for small firms in Charleston and Columbia, he completed his architectural apprenticeship in 1972. He worked for LBC&W, a large firm located in Columbia, SC, for several years before starting his own firm, Architectural Design Associates, P.A. In 1974, he and Marcia had a second son, Jason.

He was a mainstay in the architectural scene in South Carolina for over 40 years. He designed many churches and commercial buildings but was most recognized for the design of the Congaree National Park Visitor’s Center. He also designed all the buildings for the River Alliance’s Three Rivers Greenway. His favorite design was the family home on the Broad River in Columbia where the family has resided for over 45 years.

He was predeceased by his parents, Howard and Mary Baker Watkins; his sister, Cathy (Dick) Dulaney, and his son, John P. Watkins, Jr.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marcia; his son Jason P. (Katy) Watkins, as well as many loving cousins and nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the caring staff at Agape Hospice House in Lexington, SC, as well as the family friends who have lovingly helped during this time.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Dunbar Funeral Home on Devine Street, with a service in the chapel at 3:00.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com