Manis L. "Buddy" Watts, 80, of West Columbia, South Carolina, passed away on October 21, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.

Buddy was born to the late Manis and Jesse Watts on August 18, 1944 in Columbia, South Carolina. The youngest of 5 and the only boy, Buddy was spoiled by his 4 sisters. He played high school football for Olympia High School and met his high school sweetheart, Linda Shoope, who became his best friend and the love of his life. He graduated from Olympia in 1963 and joined the Army National Guard. He worked for W.O. Blackstone, Hancock Buick, and the State of South Carolina, Division of General Services, where he retired in 2006. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and great-grandfather; his family was his favorite pastime. He also loved hunting at Hollow Creek Hunting Club on Stand P4 in Salley, South Carolina and counted down the days for deer season each year. Buddy enjoyed Ocean Lakes Campground where he and Linda loved sitting on the beach, golf cart rides, and Buddy would tinker with their camper for hours. Buddy and Linda, and their dear friends Laura and James Baker, were known to live it up on the first night of vacation in "The Ocean Lake" and enjoyed their time together always. He loved his yard, taking care of projects around the house and projects for his boys. He also enjoyed spending time with his buddy, Ike Williams. He was a member of the Springdale Masonic Lodge.

Buddy is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Linda Shoope Watts. Pops (as his sons lovingly called him) is survived by his beloved sons and their wives, Keith and Laura Watts, and Kevin and Mary Watts; his beloved grandchildren, who affectionately called him G-Daddy, Hunter Watts, Josey Dorn, and Gracey Dorn; and his adored and loved great-grandson, Everett Harlen Watts. He is also survived by his grand-dogs, Minnie, Daisy, Blade, Spade, and Maya.He is survived by sister, Norma Jean Hambrick, and many nieces and nephews. 

He was predeceased by his sisters, Sarah Goff, Ruby Avant, and Merlene Gregory.

The family would like to thank Wayne, Lauren, Debbie, and Tina from Pruitt Health Hospice for their love and care of Buddy as well as their love and guidance to the family during this difficult time.

The family requests that donations be made to:

The Alzheimer's Association, ATTENTION: SC Gift Processing, 4600 Park Road, Suite 250, Charlotte, North Carolina 28209.

In lieu of funeral services, a casual drop in visitation celebrating his life will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in West Columbia, SC. Please call Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington for further details regarding the location of the visitation.