Mr. Arvel Watkins

Arvel Gene Watkins, 79, husband of Sarah Thrower Watkins, of Ridgeville passed away on October 4, 2014. Gene was born on January 18, 1935 in Bristol, TN to Carl and Nannie Mae Watkins. He graduated with an MBA from Webster University. He was a retired Senior Chief Petty Officer and also retired from the Polaris Missile Facility. He was an avid animal lover.He was a Great Alabana Tide Fan Gene is survived by his wife of 41 years, Sarah Thrower Watkins of Ridgeville; six daughters, Allie Rood (Steve), Patrice Wilkinson (Kenny),Missy Ferguson (David), Bonnie Shuler (Eric), Chrissy Clifton (Curtis), and Belinda Martin (Lee). He is also survived by one step-son, Todd Irick (Lou-Ann), sixteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. The funeral service will take place on Friday, October 9, 2014 at 12:00 p.m. in Carolina Memorial Funeral Home. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Carolina Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to North Charleston United Methodist Church, 1125 E. Montague Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405 or Lowcountry Animal Rescue, 75 Old Trolley Road, Summerville, SC 29485.