Philip Watkins Obituary

Philip Gayden "Phil" Watkins, 48, of Savannah, Georgia, passed away in his sleep from a heart attack on October 31, 2025. Philip was born in Charleston, South Carolina, on March 7, 1977, to William Wharton "Bill" Watkins and Elizabeth Gayden "Beth" Watkins and was raised in Columbia. He attended Heathwood Hall and A.C. Flora High School before graduating from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Philip was the proud owner of River Dog Grease, an oil recycling business in Savannah, where he poured his heart and energy into his work. He was a people person through and through - he never met a stranger and always had a story ready to bring a smile or a good laugh. Music was a constant companion in his life, and he adored his loyal rescue Labrador, River, who rarely left his side. After college, Philip worked in the restaurant and real estate industries before moving to Savannah to build his business that he truly enjoyed. Philip is survived by his parents; his brother, William Wharton "Trey" Watkins, Jr.; and his niece, Catherine Blair Watkins. He is also survived by his aunt and uncle, Luther Leonard "Lent" Bridges, Jr. and Lynne Gayden Bridges; cousins Elizabeth Bridges "Liz" and Louis Edward "Louie" Costa, III, Ashley Bridges and Jeffrey Scott Gardner, Charlotte Bridges "Charsie" and Cantrell Lockwood Belcher, their children, all of Charleston, SC. He was preceded in death by his grandparents William Harold Gayden Jr., Elizabeth Griffith "Betty" Gayden, Benjamin Wharton "Ben" Watkins, and Jean Bryant Watkins, his aunt and uncle Peggy Watkins and Donald Roland Landers. Philip will be remembered for his generous spirit, his loyalty to his family and friends, and the way he made life a bit more loving for everyone around him. The service for Philip will be held at 2 o'clock, Tuesday, November 11th, at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 1100 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC, with a reception to immediately follow in Satterlee Hall of the Church. A private interment in the Churchyard will precede the service. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that all donations be made to Low Country Lab Rescue, PO Box 13627 Charleston, SC 29422, in loving memory of Mr. Philip Gayden Watkins. You may also access Low Country Lab Rescue's donation page by clicking the following link. https://www.lowcountrylabrescue.org/donate Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.